Gary Lineker's BBC Future: Revised guidelines for top presenters following social media controversy

The BBC has released new rules for its flagship presenters in response to a controversy sparked by Gary Lineker's social media posts. The guidelines state that high-profile presenters are allowed to express their views on issues and policies but are not permitted to engage in political campaigning. The review of BBC social media guidelines was conducted by former ITN boss John Hardie. Lineker responded positively to the new rules, describing them as sensible. The flagship programmes affected by the guidelines include Match of the Day, The Apprentice with Alan Sugar, Antiques Roadshow, Dragon's Den, The One Show, major sporting events, Masterchef, Top Gear, Strictly Come Dancing, and various radio shows. The guidelines emphasize the importance of impartiality and prohibit presenters from endorsing or attacking political parties during an election period. They are also not allowed to criticize individual politicians or comment on political debates. The review was initiated following criticism of Lineker's posts earlier this year, in which he compared the government's language on a new asylum policy to that used by Germany in the 1930s. The BBC considered Lineker's comments a breach of its impartiality guidelines and temporarily removed him from the air. However, after a week, Lineker returned, and the corporation announced the review to address any ambiguities in its rules. The new guidelines also emphasize the need for respectful and civil public discourse. Presenters are urged to treat others with respect, even in the face of abuse, and are prohibited from using offensive or aggressive language.