[ad_1]
It comes as the new head of the BBC, Tim Davie, said he is leading a new push at the BBC to make the corporation more impartial. He said this would mean that BBC staff would face new rules that would force them to see what they are saying on social media platforms like Twitter.
Lineker, who is outspoken about his personal views, has previously denied being concerned about the push for fairness.
A BBC spokesperson said the retired sports star and Match of the Day host will not be required to adhere to the new rules at all.
The spokesman told the Telegraph: “Gary is not involved in any political news or production for the BBC and as such any expression of his personal political views does not affect the impartiality of the BBC.”
The sources said that other members of staff who are not involved in the production of news and current affairs for the BBC will also be exempted from the social media rules.
It’s currently unclear what Davies’ new rules will be – the BBC already had guidelines on social media fairness for its news staff.
Mr Davies said: “If you want to be a stubborn columnist or a partisan activist on social media, then that’s a valid option, but you shouldn’t work at the BBC.
“We will take action in the coming weeks, but to be clear, there will be new guidance on how to better meet our fairness guide; new social media rules, which will be strictly enforced; and clearer direction on the declaration of external interests.
“Our research shows that many perceive that we are shaped by a particular perspective.
READ: BBC breakfast line explodes as host collides with HS2 activist: ‘How do you know !?’
Lineker has previously criticized Brexit on his Twitter account, calling for a ‘popular vote’, a second referendum, on at least one occasion.
The TV host said in a tweet: “It is now very clear that there is no good deal. There is this rotten deal or an even more painful no deal.
“Surely it is time for our politicians to do what is right for this country and what is right for the people of this country for the good of this country. #PeoplesVote ”.
In 2018, Lineker also appeared to criticize then-Labor leader Jeremy Corbyn for failing to outperform the Conservatives in national polls.
He wrote: “Imagine how desperate it would have to be to still be behind the Conservative party in the polls. The absolute state of our politics ”.
Former state staff of the BBC guidelines must not publicly reveal how they vote or show their support for any political party.
The rules also say that staff must not “defend any particular position on a matter of public policy” or any other matter considered controversial.
The rules may not apply to BBC staff who are personally affected by a particular matter or who are not involved in news or current affairs.
[ad_2]
