Summary of complaint
We’ve received complaints about Gary Lineker's recent tweets on the government’s Illegal Migration Bill, and the ±«Óãtv’s response to this issue.
Our response
±«Óãtv Director-General, Tim Davie, has released a statement regarding Gary’s use of social media. In it, he’s said the following:
“Everyone recognises this has been a difficult period for staff, contributors, presenters and, most importantly, our audiences. I apologise for this. The potential confusion caused by the grey areas of the ±«Óãtv’s social media guidance that was introduced in 2020 is recognised. I want to get matters resolved and our sport content back on air.
“Impartiality is important to the ±«Óãtv. It is also important to the public. The ±«Óãtv 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. The ±«Óãtv’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 ±«Óãtv – on its existing social media guidance, with a particular focus on how it applies to freelancers outside news and current affairs. The ±«Óãtv and myself are aware that Gary is in favour of such a review.
“Shortly, the ±«Óãtv will announce who will conduct that review. Whilst this work is undertaken, the ±«Óãtv’s current social media guidance remains in place.
“Gary is a valued part of the ±«Óãtv and I know how much the ±«Óãtv means to Gary, and I look forward to him presenting our coverage this coming weekend.â€
Gary himself has also commented on the matter, stating: “I am glad that we have found a way forward. I support this review and look forward to getting back on air.â€
We recognise the strength of feeling these issues have provoked across our audience, and we’d like to reassure all audiences that this has been heard and discussed across all levels of the ±«Óãtv.