[Steve in Pudsey]

That’s why they should be responsible. I remember the old days where someone just focused on their industry and specialism.

I think you remember a different era through rose tinted specs. Are you suggesting that Lenny Henry and co shouldn't have set up Comic Relief?

[Former Member 237]

I think you remember a different era through rose tinted specs. Are you suggesting that Lenny Henry and co shouldn't have set up Comic Relief?

Thats a pretty bad example to use for your argument considering the BBC were heavily involved. I certainly know that if he had gone to the papers every month and made political statements against the government it may not have got off the ground and the BBC certainly would not have been pleased.

But you have to remember, in those days you actually had to say something worth while to be printed, it’s not like today, where self obsessed celebrities like to give their opinions on matters which they know very little about. The celebrity is no more qualified to speak about matters than you or me. Some celebrities never get involved and have agents who manage their tweets. If a celebrity wants to do that, it’s not an issue, but you cannot do that and work at the BBC at the same time, to quote the DG, the BBC is not for them.

[Humphrey Hacker]

Don’t renew the contract, that’s the best way, when it ends. I’m sure another broadcaster will snap him up but the BBC can’t have him going off every five minutes.

I agree. Politics and sport should never mix. Plus if The BBC are trying to save money then cancelling Match of The Day and just having a 20 minute roundup like they did when Linekar was suspended would be a bonus.

[NickyBoy]

I agree. Politics and sport should never mix. Plus if The BBC are trying to save money then cancelling Match of The Day and just having a 20 minute roundup like they did when Linekar was suspended would be a bonus.

The BBC has just signed a new deal to show Match of the Day, so the programme isn't going anywhere soon. Whether Gary's time on the show comes to an end, is a different matter.

[dengusuk]

I agree. Politics and sport should never mix. Plus if The BBC are trying to save money then cancelling Match of The Day and just having a 20 minute roundup like they did when Linekar was suspended would be a bonus.

The only people who thought that commentary-less and atmosphere-less edition of Match of the Day was better were people with an axe to grind about Lineker. It was not good television, despite what the likes of John Redwood MP and the now disgraced Scott Benton (soon-not-to-be) MP claimed...

[JMT1985]

I have to ask why are they paying him so much?

His agent would argue he would get more working for ITV or Sky, and so the BBC are paying below the commercial rate he would receive at ITV etc.

That is how they would justify it.

[Former Member 237]

The only people who thought that commentary-less and atmosphere-less edition of Match of the Day was better were people with an axe to grind about Lineker. It was not good television, despite what the likes of John Redwood MP and the now disgraced Scott Benton (soon-not-to-be) MP claimed...

It was only commentary-less because people walked out at short notice. Not because of GL suspension. I agree however commentary-less is no good but they would be able to find someone else I’m sure.

[James2001]

And the reason they all walked out is because of Gary's suspension.

[Former Member 237]

And the reason they all walked out is because of Gary's suspension.

I’m not sure if you are being deliberately obtuse, yes but that was their choice. It was not directed by the BBC. As I previously said, this did not go down well as not everyone has this luxury. And certainly highlights the kind of in the bubble dispute which it is. Can they please just get on with the job, and if they want to pursue political matters enter a different industry. Like anyone else would have to do.

[JMT1985]

It is interesting this issue about the BBC, because I don't see people getting into uproar about MPs or peers commentating on political issues, and like the BBC, they are paid from the public purse.

Of course I can hear people screaming "they are elected" - yes, alright, but it seems to me this issue can be resolved very simply - work for BBC News or BBC Current Affairs, you are under restrictions of what you can say about political issues, everyone else, can say what they wish, within reasonable context.

That is how I would sort it out, because otherwise you will have this come up time and time again not just for Gary, but for other BBC presenters.