On Monday, Tim Davie, the BBC’s director-general, spoke with BBC journalist David Sillito immediately after revealing that Gary Lineker will return to hosting responsibilities this week.
Last week, a tweet Lineker sent ignited heated debate about the broadcaster’s neutrality policies.
His social media post linked the Home Office’s migrant boat strategy to Nazi Germany, eliciting both admiration and condemnation.
Now, in what’s been billed as a ‘car crash’ interview, Sillito gave Davie a grilling, telling him: ‘This looks like a complete climbdown from the BBC.’
Davie quickly replied: ‘I don’t think so. I’ve always said we need to take proportionate action, for some people, by the way, we’ve taken too severe action. Others think we’ve been too lenient.’
He went on: ‘There’s never been an easy solution but asking Gary to step back off air was a significant thing and now with this agreement we look forward to resolving things and getting back to business as usual.’
Earlier on Monday, Davie confirmed Lineker’s return saying: ‘Gary is a valued part of the BBC and I know how much the BBC means to Gary, and I look forward to him presenting our coverage this coming weekend.’
Lineker himself said: ‘I am glad that we have found a way forward. I support this review and look forward to getting back on air.’
Davies also indicated that the BBC will conduct a review of its social media policies.
‘Everyone recognises this has been a difficult period for staff, contributors, presenters, and, most importantly, our audiences,’ he said in a statement.
‘I apologise for this. The potential confusion caused by the grey areas of the BBC’s social media guidance that was introduced in 2020 is recognised. I want to get matters resolved and our sport content back on air.’
He went on: ‘Impartiality is important to the BBC. It is also important to the public. The BBC has a commitment to impartiality in its Charter and a commitment to freedom of expression.
‘That is a difficult balancing act to get right where people are subject to different contracts and on air positions, and with different audience and social media profiles.’
Davies also said: ‘The BBC’s social media guidance is designed to help manage these sometimes difficult challenges and I am aware there is a need to ensure that the guidance is up to this task. It should be clear, proportionate, and appropriate.
‘Accordingly, we are announcing a review led by an independent expert – reporting to the BBC – on its existing social media guidance, with a particular focus on how it applies to freelancers outside news and current affairs. The BBC and myself are aware that Gary is in favour of such a review.’
He concluded: ‘Shortly, the BBC will announce who will conduct that review. Whilst this work is undertaken, the BBC’s current social media guidance remains in place.’