Gary Lineker’s post on Twitter criticising the government’s proposed asylum legislation has triggered a debate over the BBC’s impartiality rules – what they say, and to whom they should apply.
What do the BBC guidelines state?
The BBC sets out its position on impartiality in section 4 of its editorial guidelines. The guidelines state that the corporation is “committed to achieving due impartiality in all its output. This commitment is fundamental to our reputation, our values and the trust of audiences.”
They go on to state that the impartiality must be “adequate and appropriate to the output, taking account of the subject and nature of the content, the likely audience expectation and any signposting that may influence that expectation”.
They add that BBC output must always “scrutinise arguments, question consensus and hold power to account” with consistency and due impartiality.
What is the BBC policy on social media?
The BBC also offers guidance on “individual use of social media”. The guidelines state: “Social media provide an important tool for BBC output and are used widely by people who work for the BBC in their personal lives.”
The BBC says the guidance is not intended to prevent the use of social media, but to ensure that anyone working for the BBC uses it with “appropriate regard for the BBC’s values”.
The key principle in the guidance is that “anyone working for the BBC is a representative of the organisation, both offline and also when online, including on social media; the same standards apply to the behaviour and conduct of staff in both circumstances”.
It adds: “Those working for the BBC have an obligation to ensure that the BBC’s editorial decisions are not perceived to be influenced by any personal interest or bias.”
What did Lineker do?
Lineker has been suspended from his presenting duties on the BBC after responding on Twitter to a Home Office video in which the home secretary, Suella Braverman, unveiled the government’s plans to stop migrants and refugees crossing the Channel on small boats.
The ex-England striker wrote: “There is no huge influx. We take far fewer refugees than other major European countries. This is just an immeasurably cruel policy directed at the most vulnerable people in language that is not dissimilar to that used by Germany in the 30s.”
Do the BBC guidelines apply to Lineker?
Lineker is a freelance broadcaster for the BBC, not a permanent member of staff, and is not responsible for news or political content. His Twitter remarks were made on his personal account, which does not include an official link to the BBC or Match of the Day in his bio.
The BBC guidance states: “Everyone who works for the BBC should ensure their activity on social media platforms does not compromise the perception of or undermine the impartiality and reputation of the BBC.”
In addition to those working in current affairs and news, the guidance covers “others who are not journalists or involved in factual programming who nevertheless have an additional responsibility to the BBC because of their profile on the BBC”.
It states: “We expect these individuals to avoid taking sides on party political issues or political controversies and to take care when addressing public policy matters.
“The extent to which a non-staff member, contributor or presenter is required to comply with the editorial guidelines will be set out in the BBC’s contractual relationship with them.”
