BBC Independence and Integrity v Employee Freedom of Speech

Strange how a few days and the issue of GL Freedom of Speech and BBC Independence has moved from the headlines.

During the whole debacle I think the BBC was caught between a rock and a hard place.

Despite their objectors shouting foul, they were in my opinion right to ask GL to step back, their independence and integrity is far more important than GL stating his opinions.

Let’s be clear GL can make statements as much as he wants, he is not gagged, he just has to choose if he wishes to remain part of the BBC.

It is evident that the BBC continues to come under extreme scrutiny because of its privileged public funding and quite rightly so. You either believe in the way it is funded or you don’t, there is no right or wrong.

I have been an advocate of the BBC all my life, I have always preferred my TV to be without advertising, but broadcasting has changed in my lifetime and continues to evolve, but throughout the years the integrity of BBC reporting is respected throughout the world and deserves to continue in my opinion.

Will its funding be withdrawn, quite possibly, but not quite yet, I think.

I watch social media and I am rather amused that both political extremes express the view that the BBC is in the pocket of the other sides political party with its reporting.

As always if a broadcaster doesn’t appear to agree with your views then they are wrong, not quite the case.

What I see is that the BBC does try to be impartial which it always has, but it does have a slight leaning towards a socialist agenda, but not surprising when there is a conservative government.

The BBC is still my go to for News as I believe that they do generally provide a balance view on reporting, I just wish at times they would report the facts rather than perhaps trying to make the story, which is the case with some reporters especially political correspondents, but maybe I am also slightly sensitive to opposing opinions to my own.

I hope that the enquiry and new guidelines for BBC employees including Freelancers will strike the right balance between what staff can say while employed. I feel it was already quite clear and GL overstated his opinion.

If you work for the BBC no matter in what position you should keep your opinions to yourself and not seek to influence the general public.

If you feel that isn’t reasonable then perhaps you shouldn’t work for them.

I feel that the BBC and ITV have a reputation to uphold and seek to tread a path that sometimes is too influenced by a minority opinion.

If we consider how many people were upset by the GL saga it was no more than hundreds of thousands, in a country with a population of nearly 70 million, still a very small percentage shouting foul from both sides.

BBC take a reasonable stance and stick to it would be my suggestion, it is impossible to please everyone so don’t try, be true to your ideals and code of conduct and I don’t think they will go far wrong.