BBC presenters being given free rein on expressing political opinions on social media could have a key sticking point, according to GB News’ Patrick Christys.
It comes after the broadcaster’s highest paid presenter, Gary Lineker, praised the company’s decision to allow their high-profile names to voice their opinions on political issues as long as they don’t campaign.
The Match of the Day presenter’s tweets on political issues have proven to be a headache for the BBC, evidenced by a mass show of solidarity from fellow presenters and reporters after Gary Lineker was stood down in March.
The former England international’s criticism of the Government’s asylum policy had breached the BBC’s impartiality guidelines, the company ruled.
Patrick Christys says the BBC's new laws could be too vague
GB NEWS / PA
Lineker had compared the language used by the Conservative Government to promote its asylum plans to 1930s Germany in a post on Twitter, sparking an impartiality row.
GB News presenter Patrick Christys pointed out a key stipulation in the new rules, as he questioned what political campaigning constitutes for the big-name presenters.
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“This is what I worry about. At what point does a political view tie into a campaign?” He said.
“As we hurtle towards a general election, we are now seeing a clearer distinction between the two main parties.
“Backing a key political issue, like Ulez for example, if Labour are in favour and they’re in the middle of a campaign, and Gary Lineker comes out and says he is in favour of it, does that mean he’s supporting a political campaign?
“That is what I think is an unenforcible grey area.”
BBC presenters have to adhere to new rules
PALineker lauded the decision in a post shared on X, formerly known as Twitter, saying: “All very sensible”, along with a thumbs up emoji.
Big name stars have been told they cannot endorse or attack a political party under the new rules.
The new rules affect Strictly Come Dancing hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, The Apprentice’s Lord Alan Sugar and Antiques Roadshow’s Fiona Bruce, as well as Dragons’ Den’s Evan Davis, MasterChef hosts John Torode and Gregg Wallace and The One Show’s Alex Jones.
Radio presenters Greg James, Zoe Ball, Vernon Kay and Scott Mills were also named as presenters of flagship programmes, but the full list will be “kept under review”, the broadcaster said.
The corporation said the guidance does not include contributors, pundits, judges or guest hosts but does apply to presenters of major sporting events and Top Gear – which is currently not in production.
They are also unable to comment on issues of political debate during the election period, criticise individual UK politicians, or take up an official role campaigning or fundraising for any group.
Speaking about the review and resulting guidelines, 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."
