BBC chief denies Lineker co-wrote social media rules

THE architect of the BBC’S social media guidelines has denied that Gary Lineker helped to write them.

Lineker told the Broadcasting Press Guild yesterday: “I know the guidelines really well. I was partly involved in drawing them up.”

The Match of the Day host cited an interview he had given to John Hardie, a former ITN executive commissioned by the BBC to review rules on social media use.

However, Mr Hardie has responded with a statement, saying that Lineker was merely one of more than 80 people who shared their opinions during the process.

Mr Hardie said: “A note of clarification. During my review of BBC Social Media Guidelines, I personally conducted 83 interviews, commissioned extensive research and invited input from all BBC staff. I sought to be evidence-based and take into respectful consideration the wide spectrum of views.

“In the end, I authored the report entirely independently and made what I consider to be balanced, ethical and practical recommendations.”

The BBC commissioned the review last year after Lineker sparked controversy by tweeting about the government’s Rwanda policy.

Tim Davie, the BBC director-general, forced Lineker to stand down from Match of the Day as a result, but allowed him back after the star’s BBC Sport colleagues downed tools in protest.

The new rules allow presenters to share opinions on political issues, providing they do not attack political parties or criticise individual politicians.

Speaking at the BPG event, Lineker said: “Obviously, the new guidelines allow much more freedom. We’re allowed opinions.”

He added that BBC bosses “love” him being on social media because he promotes BBC shows.

Lineker said he would be especially mindful of the rules in the run-up to a general election.

“I’ve never, ever tweeted about who I’m going to vote for. I’ve always been sensible,” he said.

He claimed that he has scaled down his use of X, formerly Twitter, and no longer reads replies to his posts.

‘I invited input from all BBC staff. In the end, I authored the report entirely independently’