Gary Lineker must be impartial as he hosts ‘important’ show, says ex-BBC boss
28.03.2023 - 16:55
/ manchestereveningnews.co.uk
A former BBC boss has said presenters like Gary Lineker who are “inextricably bound up with an important BBC programme” should have to abide by impartiality rules.
Lord Birt, who led the BBC between 1992 and 2000, made the comments as he appeared before the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee as part of a session in the wake of the pundit and former England player’s three-day suspension from Match Of The Day.
Lineker was temporarily removed from his post by the BBC after posting a tweet in which he said the language used by the Government to promote its asylum plans was not dissimilar to 1930s Germany. The pundit was restored as host of the popular football show after widespread outcry.
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Lord Birt, 78, told the committee he hoped the BBC’s ongoing review about its social media guidelines, which will look at the responsibilities of freelancers such as Lineker, offered 'crystal clarity' to its employees.
Asked whether he thought viewers appreciated the difference between news staff and freelancers, Lord Birt said: “I am sure the public doesn’t even think about it.
"What it knows is that this (Match Of The Day) is one of the most important BBC programmes and this is a well established presenter. And yes, he was one of England’s great centre-forwards but let’s not kid ourselves. His status, his standing and his power arises above all else from presenting this extremely important programme.”
Lord Birt added that he did not think it was “legitimate and right” that a BBC presenter of “such an important programme should opine”.
He asked the committee to imagine a presenter of Strictly Come Dancing, another