People deserve a transparent broadcaster
I have always been a strong supporter of the BBC and publicly funded broadcasting.
The BBC was set up to be impartial and independent, to educate and entertain its audience in the UK and beyond. Its role in giving us facts, holding the powerful to account, and promoting high standards in public life has never been more important.
However the BBC’S impartiality has recently come into question when Gary Lineker was briefly suspended from Match of the Day after tweeting about the Conservative Government’s appalling immigration policy.
His tweet highlighted the Tories’use of language that seeks to demonise and dehumanise asylum seekers.
The BBC alleged his tweet breached its impartiality rules. But it is difficult not to conclude that the impartiality rules apply only to those critical of the Conservative Government or supporters of left-wing causes.
For example, Andrew Neil, a supporter of Thatcher politics, hosted political coverage on the BBC for years whilst promoting right wing causes on Twitter, and editing the Spectator, an openly right of centre magazine.
It is difficult to see a supporter of, for example Jeremy Corbyn, ever being allowed to hold such high-profile roles on the BBC.
And the Apprentice host Alan Sugar urged voters to back the Conservatives in the 2019 election.
He has also attacked Rail Union leader Mick Lynch on Twitter..
The BBC’S impartiality is further called into question when the links of its senior people to the Conservative Party are known.
BBC Director General Tim Davie has previously stood as the head of his local Conservative association and current BBC chairman Richard Sharp donated £400,000 to the Tories. He also helped Boris Johnson secure an £800,000 loan.
BBC guidelines state that output must always “scrutinise arguments, question consensus and hold power to account.”
These are the guidelines that are being breached, and the BBC should be investigating this, rather than the tweets of a sports presenter.
Bending to the wishes of thewestminster Government allows the establishment to continue unchecked.
The people of Scotland and the UK deserve a national broadcaster that is transparent and trustworthy.
Finally, I offer my congratulations to Robin Kleinman, who won the recent Stirling Council by-election. This was caused by the sudden death of popular councillor Graham Houston.
He left big shoes to fill, and I wish Robin all the very best. Graham represented the very highest standards in public life.
He represented all his constituents, regardless of political affiliations, without fear or favour, and had no difficulty in holding the powerful to account.
The BBC could do with more people like Graham on its board.