Corporation sets out expectations for ‘flagship brand’ programmes and their presenters after ‘Nazi’ controversy in March
Gary Lineker will not be allowed to endorse or attack political parties but Chris Packham has free rein, under new BBC guidelines governing social media.
The corporation has issued a list of “flagship brand” programmes whose presenters must adhere to tighter restrictions.
Lineker is included as Match of the Day host, along with Lord Sugar as host of The Apprentice. But Chris Packham – the face of Springwatch for nearly 15 years, and one of the BBC’s most divisive figures – is not.
The rules only apply when the flagship shows are on air, plus a two-week period either side, meaning that Lineker can tweet freely outside the football season.