Samir Shah hasn’t even started his role as BBC Chairman, but he’s has already had to answer questions about Gary Lineker’s X updates.
Earlier this week, the BBC Match of the Day presenter added his name to an open letter opposing the government’s plan to deport asylum seekers to Rwanda.
This led to several Conservative MPs criticising Lineker and accusing him of breaching impartiality rules. They complained to the BBC.
Lineker then responded to them on X.
Jonathan hasn’t read the new guidelines….or, should I say, had someone read them to him? https://t.co/bxxxbj5Twb
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) December 11, 2023
A tad rich coming from someone who can’t even stick to one name. 4 chaps Shapps. https://t.co/hjLL6VvZSh pic.twitter.com/d6dvkE1B7M
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) December 11, 2023
The BBC updated its social media guidance in September, following Tweets from a certain Gary Lineker. A review was led by former ITN Editor-in-Chief, John Hardie.
While Lineker signing the open letter would likely be within the rules, his responses to the MPs potentially less so, that’s according to the incoming BBC Chairman.
Hardie’s review stated that BBC presenters outside of news should adhere to the following hyuidance in their personal use of social media:
“Do not endorse nor attack political parties, individual politicians or urge the public to vote for a party.”
and
“Never slip into ad hominem attacks – overt or veiled – on the character of individuals including politicians or anyone who happens to disagree.”
Shah told a BBC Culture Media and Sport Committee that the row wasn’t “very helpful for Gary Lineker or the BBC or the cause he supports because it becomes a story about Gary Lineker and the BBC.”
He added:
“Non-news presenters are free to express their opinions but there is some guidance on civility, manner, and not to make ad hominem attacks. So as far as I am aware, the signing of the letter did not breach those guidelines.”
He added: “the more recent tweet Mr Lineker identified two politicians does on the face of it seem to breach those particular guidelines”.
“I’m not sure how egregious it is but it does. I would imagine the BBC is now looking at that and considering its response.”
