Gary Lineker line ‘rooted in terror of BBC losing license fee’, claims John Humphrys
Gary Lineker is ready to return to work after his suspension from the match of the day last weekend following a row with the BBC. Former BBC presenter John Humphrys, 79, has revealed his stance on what the high-profile impartiality disagreement meant for society.
He said: “The company’s failed attempt to censor the Match of the Day presenter’s tweets was rooted in fear of losing the license fee.”
John went on to theorize that the disagreement could have been sparked by government ‘pressure’ on the BBC and its proper functioning.
The broadcaster correlated the pressure to the debate over whether all Britons should be required to pay the license fee.
He said: ‘So let’s be clear: the driver of this crisis is the continued pressure on the BBC to show the government of the day that they are getting their house in order.
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“And Lineker unwittingly underlined the real danger facing the BBC: in a world of social media, it may become increasingly irrelevant, undermining its aim of universality – of providing something for everyone – even if its audience frays.
“And that means increasing pressure on license fees. It becomes a matter of real political debate, not just a stick with which to beat the BBC.
“Because if you’re not universal, what’s the point of making everyone pay? John asked in a new opinion piece for The telegraph.
It comes just a week after Gary was taken off the air after sharing a tweet comparing the language used to promote a new government policy on asylum seekers with the rhetoric used in 1930s Germany.
“Everyone recognizes that this has been a difficult time for staff, contributors, presenters and most importantly our audience,” Tim added.
“I apologize for that. The potential confusion caused by the gray areas of the BBC’s social media guidelines which were introduced in 2020 is recognised.
“I want the issues resolved and our sports content back on the air.”
Gary announced his MOTD comeback to his Twitter followers on Monday, writing, “After a surreal few days I am so glad we found a way to get through this.
“I want to thank you all for your incredible support, especially my colleagues at BBC Sport for the remarkable show of solidarity. Football is a team game, but their support has been overwhelming.
“I have presented sport on the BBC for almost 3 decades and I am immensely proud to work with the best and fairest broadcaster in the world. I can’t wait to get back into the MOTD chair on Saturday.
“One final thought: As difficult as the last days are, it just doesn’t compare to having to flee your home from persecution or war to seek refuge in a distant land. It is heartwarming to have seen the empathy for their plight from so many of you.
“We remain a largely tolerant, welcoming and generous country. THANKS.”
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