The BBC has issued new guidance to presenters on using social media, following a review by former ITN Editor-in-Chief, John Hardie.
It was ordered following a Gary Lineker tweet about the government’s asylum policy.
Hardie spoke to more than 80 people, both inside and outside the BBC as part of his examination of its policies.
“The BBC should set a new mission to promote civility in public discourse, and insist that all those who present BBC programmes should respect diversity of opinion and exemplify the BBC’s ethos of civility on social media,” stated Hardie.
The review states that “it is best for all parties to start with a clean slate” adding “the BBC should avoid taking a hammer to crack a nut. ‘Hard cases make bad law.’
“There have been a relatively small number of politically ‘problematic’ posts among the cohort of high-profile presenters in the last two years. Changes should not unnecessarily ‘over-steer’ due to immediate interest nor be shaped by a desire to fix short term ‘hot’ issues, of which there are few.
“There is no working, de facto or agreed list, nor further definition of the criteria for who is in the group of freelancers in scope. Attempts have been made to define them variably as those who ‘are identified with the BBC’, are seen as ‘faces’ or ‘voices’ of the BBC. No two people I spoke to came up with exactly the same list or criteria.
“The BBC has to make clear to whom the guidance applies, what criteria puts them in scope, and explain why any restrictions are appropriate. The BBC should find amicable resolutions for those who do not agree to comply with the new guidance and seek to avoid unnecessary conflict.
“The BBC should make the guidance as clear, prescriptive and unambiguous as possible.”
The BBC first published its social media guidance in 2020 and this has now been updated to include specific notes for those presenting “Flagship Programmes”
This is in addition to the existing impartiality guidance for individuals working in news and current affairs and factual journalism production – this remains the same.
Hardie’s report states:
“BBC presenters outside of news should adhere to the following guidance in their personal use of social media:
“Flagship-Brand Presenters must refrain from campaigning in party politics or for activist organisations.
a) Do not endorse nor attack political parties, individual politicians or urge the public to vote for a party
b) Do not ‘campaign by proxy’ by posting frequently on a range of issues that resemble one party’s manifesto and presents sustained criticism to a government or opposition policy agenda
When any presenter expresses opinions on issues which may be controversial or matters of political contention, they should do so in a civil manner consistent with BBC’s values, namely:
c) Maintain a civil and measured approach at all times and respect those they disagree with
d) Deal only with the facts of the issue, not with presumed ‘ulterior motivations’ behind opposing views
e) Never slip into ad hominem attacks – overt or veiled – on the character of individuals including politicians or anyone who happens to disagree.
f) Exercise greatest care on the most divisive issues and never promote law breaking
g) Observe an embargo on all political commentary during local and general election periods.”
In terms of implementing the policy, Hardie recommended:
“a) BBC should explain the guidance and request presenters to abide by it for the duration of current contracts, being explicit that future renewals will be dependent on present compliance.
b) New contracts should be limited to two years and include the guidance in the main body.
c) BBC should deal with transgressions consistently, define proportionate sanctions for repeated infringement and hold suspensions for most egregious cases of clear disrepute.”
Hardie added: “high-profile presenters outside of journalism should be able to express views on issues and policies – including matters of political contention – but stop well short of campaigning in party politics or for activist organisations.”
He continued:
“It is clear that the British public expect BBC non-news presenters to maintain high standards on social media and respect an appropriate balance between impartiality and freedom of expression. It is timely for the BBC to clarify where that balance lies.”
BBC Director-General Tim Davie said:
“We all have a responsibility to treat people with civility and respect, particularly at a time when public debate and discussion, both on and offline, can be so polarised. The BBC also has important commitments to both freedom of expression and impartiality – and this rightly extends to social media.
“I would therefore like to thank John Hardie, and all those who took part in this review, for such a thorough, clear and considered report.
“Clarity on how those working for the BBC use social media is not only important for them and the organisation, but also for our audiences. The new guidance, which includes new requirements for presenters of our flagship programmes, is both proportionate and fair and protects these commitments.”
