A former BBC director-general has said presenters such as Gary Lineker who are “inextricably bound up with an important programme” should have to abide by impartiality rules. The former England player was suspended from Match Of The Day for three days after a tweet criticising the Government's language over its asylum plans
Lord Birt, who led the BBC between 1992 and 2000, appeared before the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee as part of a session in the wake of the controversy. Lineker was taken off by the BBC after posting a tweet in which he said the language used by the Government to promote its asylum plans was not dissimilar to 1930s Germany.
He returned following a boycott by top on-air talent. Stars who refused to appear during his suspension included Ian Wright, Alan Shearer and Alex Scott.
Lord Birt, 78, told the committee he hoped the BBC’s ongoing review about its social media guidelines, which will look at the responsibilities of freelancers such as Lineker, offered “crystal clarity” to its employees. Asked whether he thought viewers appreciated the difference between news staff and freelancers, Lord Birt said: “I am sure the public doesn’t even think about it.
“What it knows is that this (Match Of The Day) is one of the most important BBC programmes and this is a well established presenter. And yes, he was one of England’s great centre-forwards but let’s not kid ourselves. His status, his standing and his power arises above all else from presenting this extremely important programme."
Lord Birt added that he did not think it was “legitimate and right” that a BBC presenter of “such an important programme should opine”. He asked the committee to imagine a presenter of Strictly Come Dancing, another flagship BBC show, who was “passionately opposed to immigration” and spoke openly about stopping small boats.
“I would take the same view of both examples,” he added. "It doesn’t matter whether it comes from the left or right. I don’t think it is appropriate for a BBC presenter, certainly of news which everybody seems to agree with, but any presenter who is inextricably bound up with an important BBC programme."
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Acknowledging public opinion over Lineker’s tweet was split, Lord Birt added: “I don’t ever think the damage in respect to the BBC is terminal because it has got too much credit in the bank. This is an issue that needs resolving and the speedier it is resolved the better – and I wish it had been resolved more speedily.
“In one way or another, it is going to be resolved, we will all move on, and I have no doubt whatsoever that at the end of this the BBC’s absolute commitment to impartiality will remain intact.”
He also addressed BBC chairman Richard Sharp, who is facing pressure to resign amid an ongoing review after it emerged that he helped former prime minister Boris Johnson secure an £800,000 loan facility. Lord Birt said: “I don’t think his appointment should stand. He is a person of obvious weight and consequence but in one vital respect he was an unsuitable candidate and the appointment process itself was fatally flawed.”
