The long standing Tory Culture War has taken a new twist today after two of the most respected broadcasters found themselves cancelled by the BBC. Gary Lineker has ‘stepped down’ that is purged from presenting Match of the Day following Tory complaints about his tweets on Suella Braverman’s latest racist legislation on refugees. Meanwhile a programme in David Attenborough’s new series focusing on climate change has reportedly been dropped because it might annoy Tories.
The BBC which has many excellent journalists, technicians and support workers is bringing itself into disrepute. Unfortunately Labour has not backed Lineker’s comments just his right to make them. The self styled Free Speech Union has at best equivocated. As the slogan goes,make some noise and noise has been made.
Indeed noise was made. Presenters Ian Wright, Alan Shearer and Alex Scott declined to appear on BBC football coverage and Saturday’s football coverage was mostly pulled.Match of the Day lasted 20 minutes with no commentary and Sunday coverage, or lack of it was similar. An unofficial strike has taken place, albeit those involved are freelancers and can do it without a ballot!
The broadcasting union BECTU renewed calls for Richard Sharp whose own impartiality is being investigated to be suspended and social media had ample reminders that Tim Davie is a former Tory supporter and candidate.
Keir Starmer has underlined that in a supposed effort to be impartial the BBC has made itself look partisan and Rishi Sunak has conceded that the Government’s refugee policy was controversial.
In short this is a Culture War that the Tories and right-wing media are continuing to loose.
The substantive issue is to resist racism and Braverman’s Bill. That requires more than words. Stand Up To Racism backed by the TUC is organising protests in London,Glasgow and Cardiff on Saturday March 18th. Be there if you can
Leave a Reply