(11-03-2023 13:46 )Snooks Wrote:  The BBC has been consistently bullied by numerous governments over the years.
What is needed is no government interference in the affairs and running of the BBC.
It needs to be completely independently regulated and not at any degree of mercy of politicians who have shown they simply cannot be trusted to not make life difficult for the BBC at every opportunity.

It is no surprise to me whatsoever that those on the political right have claimed the BBC had no choice but to do what they have done while those on the left are accusing the BBC of cowardice and weak leadership.
Pretty much sums up what I said before.
Everyone kicking the BBC about like a political football (pardon the pun).
It is damned if it does and damned if it doesn't.

The primary blame in this specific situation is with the government for a ludicrous right wing populist piece of shit of a policy in the form of Stop the boats and for spending so much of its time bullying the corporation into submission as pretty much all governments do.
The BBC should never be a government play thing to use and abuse for its own ends (cough cough splutter splutter) Richard Sharp anyone? .

The BBC has not exactly covered itself in glory on this by any means but I would be intrigued to know what conversations have been had between BBC executives and the government about the Lineker issue since the story broke.