[Kim Wexler’s Ponytail]

They certainly didn't apply to Andrew Neil

The complaint was regarding his promotion of a controversial Spectator magazine report on twitter.

It was rejected. As its a commercial activity,  just as Gary Lineker wouldn't be found in breach for talking about Crisps,  despite childhood obesity

It's not the same thing. 

The BBC can't trust a live presenter who's openly choosing which rules to follow. No responsible broadcaster can.

LOL so there’s a loophole. All Garry needs to do is edit a magazine. Then he can say whatever he wants because it’s a ‘’commercial venture’?’. How was Andrew Neil allowed to be editor of Spectator magazine at all, and regularly whip up controversy around it on twitter, while he was working as a journalist for the impartial BBC? As many others have said either the rule applies to everyone or it’s pointless.

[matthieu1221]

What is the actually story now?

Is it because Gary voice a opinion?
Is it because Gary alienated half the viewer with that opinion?

Is it because Gary was taken off air?
Is it because there was double standards?
Is it because DG is also wrong?
Is it because everyone else has jumped in to take a side hoping to make some sort of  silly gesture?

Refusing to go on air in solidarity with a colleague is hardly a "silly gesture"

[CF1]

The BBC have released the following statement about the programming disruptions today:

https://twitter.com/danroan/status/1634560315168882688

"We are working hard to resolve the situation."

Yeah, right. This is the BBC. Nothing gets done quickly. And Tim Davie is laughing out loud over in the US.

[Steve in Pudsey]

Further to the reply about Andrew Neil...

twitter.com 

[lhx1985]

What is the actually story now?

Is it because Gary voice a opinion?
Is it because Gary alienated half the viewer with that opinion?

Is it because Gary was taken off air?
Is it because there was double standards?
Is it because DG is also wrong?
Is it because everyone else has jumped in to take a side hoping to make some sort of  silly gesture?

I think the story as it stand is that the BBC is unable to fill significant portions of its weekend schedule because most of its talent have gone on de-facto strike because the DG made a sensational error in judgement. 

That error may or may not have been influenced by his own political stance and may have been at the behest of lobbying from government or at least figures within the party of government.

The story may however evolve, as it has done already.

[Ash101]

The BBC have released the following statement about the programming disruptions today:

https://twitter.com/danroan/status/1634560315168882688

Plus a BBC News notification for this statement. Doesn’t really say a lot we didn’t know. 

Wonder how they plan to “resolve the situation”.

[Andrew]

BBC News have sent another push alert

I’m glad they didn’t send alerts this frequently in the pandemic, there would be one every time someone tested positive

[Robinho02]

Wonder what 5 live will do at 3. My guess is joining BBC Radio Leeds for Leeds v Brighton commentary.

Will be interesting if this spills over to other sports.

The BBC needs to rectify the situation with Gary asap and get him back on air - otherwise I fear it will have a major long term impact of talent not wanting to work for the BBC.

[Stockland Hillman]

The complaint was regarding his promotion of a controversial Spectator magazine report on twitter.

It was rejected. As its a commercial activity,  just as Gary Lineker wouldn't be found in breach for talking about Crisps,  despite childhood obesity

It's not the same thing. 

The BBC can't trust a live presenter who's openly choosing which rules to follow. No responsible broadcaster can.

LOL so there’s a loophole. All Garry needs to do is edit a magazine. Then he can say whatever he wants because it’s a ‘’commercial venture’?’. How was Andrew Neil allowed to be editor of Spectator magazine at all, and regularly whip up controversy around it on twitter, while he was working as a journalist for the impartial BBC? As many others have said either the rule applies to everyone or it’s pointless.

He was publisher, not editor of Spectator, which itself is a magazine regulated by IPSO. Therefore nothing like the Lineker situation

It's widely accepted that Journalists write and work for other news organisations of similar standing - so and independently regulated news magazine wouldn't raise any issues, same working for another Ofcom regulated broadcaster

[London Lite]

This issue has more holes than in Swiss Cheese. Gary was allowed to voice his opinion about the Qatari government with no action from the BBC, yet a simple critique of government policy from a freelance contractor, which is the excuse the BBC have used for Andrew Neil and Chris Packham who are also freelance to express political opinion is perfectly fine.

The BBC (along with the Government) have dug themselves a massive hole when it could have easily gone away by allowing him to broadcast this weekend.