[matthieu1221]

Mods could probably do with splitting this thread as  it's news coverage really.  Worth noting his contract has been renewed after previous controversies.  The real issue here is the BBC focusing on the wrong aspect - Lineker is only the story in the minds of the right wing who wish to attack the BBC.

It's ridiculous we're in a situation now where somebody suggesting that language associated with Nazism is a bad thing leads to calls for them to be fired.    Impartiality means freedom to criticise a government, as does the most basic principles of human rights.  Government staff in all public service broadcasters should be free to express their own opinion, including those at the BBC.

But that's not the case. There are guidelines for BBC staff to be impartial on current politics and Gary Lineker as a recipient of licence fee money is required to uphold that. There are other broadcasters available if he wants freedom to express his own opinions.

I listened to the Media Show podcast on this and they made the point that If Lineker had been more nuanced and said something like "I support the refugees and refugees should be treated more humanely", there likely wound't have been an issue. It's the direct point about a government minister linking them to Nazi Germany where the issue is. Agree or disagree with the statement it was political and deliberately controversial. And you simply can't do that and take a wage from the BBC.

(Responding to the first point)

The wider question is why non-News staff need to be covered by those impartiality rules. It's not like he's going to be hosting a debate on the politics of the day anytime soon. Same with anyone else working in Sports or anything else non-News related.

The license fee part arguably is irrelevant. The BBC isn't the civil service. It's not like it in itself is working on implementing government policies in a way that civil servants should refrain from openly criticizing it.