A former BBC executive has said there is “a lot of confusion” around whether freelance broadcasters such as Gary Lineker, who do not work in news, should be subject to the same rules as permanent staff. https://t.co/f0fTgWXBwp — Gary Lineker 💙💛 (@GaryLineker) March 7, 2023Richard Sambrook, who was director of news at the BBC and director of BBC Global News and the BBC World Service, told the PA news agency “impartiality is crucial” for the BBC and staff in “everything they do”. However, he said it is “not clear” whether rules on social media – which is viewed like BBC content and as having the same editorial guidelines and editorial oversight for staff at the corporation – apply to Lineker. "I think it's appropriate for [Gary Lineker] to step back." Lord Hague says Gary Lineker's personal social media and role as BBC presenter 'can't be separated.

Source: The Times March 10, 2023 20:52 UTC