New chairman Samir Shah has warned that the BBC needs to prepare for a general election amid uncertainty over who will present the corporation’s evening results programme.
Dr Shah said the channel’s plans for elections, which could take place as soon as spring, required “urgent attention”.
The new chairman, a former head of political programs at the BBC, will make the broadcaster’s coverage of the poll, which he described as the “world championship of journalism”, a personal priority.
The BBC’s election night plans have been disrupted by the ongoing suspension of Huw Edwards, who was due to host the main show.
Although Edwards is expected to quit his job at BBC News following an investigation into his conduct, bosses cannot formally appoint a replacement until the employment situation of the corporation’s highest-paid journalist is resolved.
Dr Shah, who led the BBC’s coverage of the 1997 general election, will be particularly interested in plans for the upcoming election.
He said the elections were a priority that would require his “urgent attention”, according to written evidence released by the Select Committee on Culture after MP Dr. Shah last month during a pre-approval hearing.
He wrote: “This is the BBC World Cup of Journalism. We must be in shape. We need to figure everything out: from studio debates to airtime distribution. The BBC’s reporting must be impeccable.”
No matter what, Doctor. Shah told MPs during the hearing that “the public turns to the BBC during elections”. Edward’s position was an open “personnel issue” that needed to be resolved.
Laura Kuenssberg, Fiona Bruce and Nick Robinson are among the alternatives the BBC could turn to if Edwards’ departure is confirmed.
Impartiality will be crucial to ensuring the “impeccability” of the BBC’s reporting as political parties quickly challenge the corporation over perceived imbalances in the election campaign.
Dr Shah, who is expected to take up his post next month after a meeting of the Privy Council approved his appointment, said his other priorities would include a review of the BBC’s coverage of Israel and the Gaza Strip.
It comes after the company was criticized for using the word “militant” instead of “terrorist” to describe Hamas following the October 7 attacks.
“What lessons can we learn?” – asked the doctor. Shah. “Should the editorial guidelines be revised (I think this is planned), and if so, how.”
He also said he would “get an overview of what’s happening in countries and regions, what worries them, and assess the impact of things like changes to local radio or productions and people moving out of London.”
Election joke about Gary Lineker
Gary Lineker is banned from making political statements Game of the day will be broadcast during the election period in accordance with BBC rules.
Lineker will be included in a special group of “flagship presenters” facing stricter restrictions due to her high-profile role at the BBC.
Social media guidelines for these host countries state: “Do not comment on issues that are the subject of political debate during the general election and referendum in any part of the UK.”
During the election, Lineker will not be able to say that posts critical of the government’s immigration policies or online fights with ministers fall under BBC rules.
While updated rules drawn up last year give freelance presenters more freedom to express their personal opinions without breaching the BBC’s impartiality rules, this right does not apply during a general election or referendum.
All broadcasters are subject to stricter balance and undue influence rules during general elections, with Ofcom ordering GB News to suspend programs from politicians including Jacob Rees-Mogg and Nigel Farage if they stand as candidates.
Conservative MP Jonathan Gallis, the target of Lineker’s mocking tweet during a recent online row, said the BBC should suspend the presenter Game of the day during the election unless he accepts the gag clause.
“The BBC should be prepared to take him off air before the next general election,” Gallis said, accusing director general Tim Davey of an “arbitrary whitewash” for failing to punish Lineker for tweets ridiculing ministers and ministers. Comrade conservatives.
Lineker has always maintained that his coverage of political events is within the rules.
The BBC ruled that Lineker was allowed to sign the letter supporting refugee rights under impartiality rules, and added its own criticism of the government. sources reported I that Lineker’s criticism of MPs was welcomed by the BBC.
However, the BBC’s new chairman, Samir Shah, said he believed Lineker’s messages breached rules prohibiting presenters from attacking politicians.
Dr Shah, who told Lineker’s MPs that Lineker’s tweets would “damage” the BBC’s reputation, is unlikely to break the rules in the campaign investigation.
‘Flagship’ restrictions apply to Zoe Ball, Claudia Winkleman and Alan Sugar, a colleague known for his harsh opinions – the BBC has released a new series Trainee in February with the expectation that it will be completed before elections are called.
However, all eyes will be on Lineker’s transfer – will the former England star take the plunge? Game of the day and a non-disclosure clause or the freedom to allow your 8.9 million followers to benefit from passionate views in the midst of an election campaign?
Insiders welcomed the doctor’s appointment. Shah, who previously ran Juniper, which produced political programs for the BBC.
“At last we have an experienced current affairs journalist at the helm of the BBC. “He will draw on his experience and that should reduce the likelihood of the BBC being drawn into damaging discussions during the election,” the news presenter said.
Although Dr. Shah will not be involved in day-to-day editorial decisions but will be in regular contact with senior figures including Deborah Turness, director general of BBC News.
Dr Shah also has close links to Andrew Neil, who conducted in-depth BBC interviews with party leaders during the 2019 election, with the exception of Boris Johnson, who refused to appear.
Neil, whose this week The series was produced by Juniper and directed by Dr. increased. Shah is vying for the position of chairman.
Asked if he could play a role in the BBC’s coverage of the 2024 election, Neil, who briefly left the broadcaster as chairman of GB News, said: “I don’t answer hypothetical questions.”
The BBC, along with other broadcasters, has begun a cautious discussion of the party leadership debate.
With Rishi Sunak trailing in the polls, the Prime Minister is reportedly more willing to take part than Sir Keir Starmer.
The new leader also told MPs at a pre-confirmation hearing that the BBC must end the “psychodrama” surrounding Gary Lineker’s political comments on social media.
He said this may require a review of the policy on freelancers, who play a prominent role at the BBC.