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Media outlets divided over BBC after Lineker returns to MOTD

14 March 2023246 views0

Front pages were dominated Tuesday by the news that Gary Lineker would return to host Match of the Day following an impartiality row with the BBC over a series of tweets.

Last week, Lineker drew comparisons between the UK’s new refugee plans and 1930s Germany.

The BBC guidelines on impartiality for its presenters and staff state that impartiality must be “adequate and appropriate to the output, taking account of the subject and nature of the content, the likely audience expectation and any signposting that may influence that expectation”, as it is “fundamental to our reputation, our values and the trust of audiences”.

In relation to social media, staff can “engage in social media activities if they wish”, but must maintain “a clear distinction” between accounts run by the BBC for BBC purposes, and personal accounts of employees for personal purposes. It also notes that people who are “clearly identified with the BBC” should make sure they behave “in ways that are consistent with the BBC’s editorial values and policies”.

Following the tweets, the BBC stated that Lineker had ‘stepped back’ – while others assumed a suspension – from his presenting role until an agreement could be reached on his use of social media.

It has since been announced that Lineker will return to Match of the Day.

Right-wing papers expressed disappointment in the BBC’s decision; left-wing papers lauded the decision and spotlighted the pressure the BBC is currently under. Following the initial decision to pull Lineker from presenting MOTD, the BBC came under immediate scrutiny and accusations of hypocrisy and bias, as the director-general Tim Davie and chairman Richard Sharp have been linked to financially supporting and donating to the Conservative party.