BBC’S luvvies are revolting
Edwards rebels as stars reject social media guidelines
BBC staff are in open revolt after being told to stop “virtue signalling” on social media.
Moments after directorgeneral - Tim Davie unveiled nararted guidelines on impartiality Beeb rebels started challenging them.
Some claimed wearing a poppy could even constitute a breach.
Stars such as Match Of The Day host Gary Lineker frequently post their political views on Twitter.
BBC News At Ten’s Huw Edwards quoted the guidance: “Use of emojis can – accidentally, or deliberately – undercut an impartial post,” and surrounded the message with emojis of Welsh flags.
And James Wong, a Gardeners’ World contributor vowed to ignore the rules. “‘ Virtue signalling’ isn’t an objective concept,” he said.
“I wonder what accounts sending me tweets about how presenters should be b banned from ‘ virtue sig signalling’, would feel if I did didn’t wear a poppy.” The guidance g tells staff in news or current affairs to avoid giving their views on controversial subjects. They must “avoid ‘ virtue signalling’ retweets, likes or joining online campaigns to indicate a personal view”. Others may need to avoid taking sides on politics because of their high profiles. Former England striker Lineker has tweeted about everything from the migrant crisis to Marcus Rashford’s child food poverty campaign. Mr Davie wants to rebut accusations the BBC is not impartial. He contacted staff to assure them there was no ban on attending Pride parades as they are “celebratory”.