Tim Davie reveals new BBC social media impartiality guidelines
When you subscribe we will use the information you provide to send you these newsletters.Sometimes they’ll include recommendations for other related newsletters or services we offer.Our Privacy Notice explains more about how we use your data, and your rights.You can unsubscribe at any time.
A group of 17 backbench MPs have written to the head of the BBC after a public backlash against BBC Breakfast’s Charlie Stayt and Naga Munchetty’s dismissive remarks about the flag and a portrait of the Queen at the end of an interview with communities secretary Robert Jenrick. In the letter coordinated by Bassetlaw MP Brendan Clarke-Smith, a former teacher, the MPs said: “We have been inundated with complaints from constituents on this matter. We feel that the hosts need reminding that the B in BBC stands for British and that the comments and attitudes on display towards both our flag and our Queen were inappropriate and also disrespectful.”
They also noted that recently the BBC received over 700 complaints following the behaviour of both presenters during an appearance on the Saturday Kitchen show, for behaviour which was also described in the media as being “rude” and “obnoxious” towards host Matt Tebbutt.
They added: “We therefore feel that the behaviour in this instance was inappropriate and fell below the high standards expected at the BBC. We would therefore ask that both Mr Stayt and Ms Munchetty are reprimanded for this behaviour and would ask them to apologise for their conduct.”
The row broke out at the end of an interview with Mr Jenrick when Mr Stayt poked fun at the size of the Union Jack behind the minister of the crown with Ms Munchetty sniggering in the background.
“Just a thought” Mr Stayt added “You’ll be aware that every time we have… you’ve seen it every day. It’s a stock thing isn’t it.”
Ms Munchetty, having made reference the picture of the Queen once, then added “Always a flag. Had the picture of the Queen there as well though. In the Westminster office I’m assuming” and turned away in what the Conservative MPs described as “a highly dismissive manner.”
As the fury over the comments grew afterwards, Mr Jenrick Tweeted out a picture of the flag and portrait of the Queen saying: “We’re always proud to fly the Union Flag at @mhclg.
It’s a symbol of liberty and freedom that binds the whole country together.”Meanwhile, a source close to culture secretary Oliver Dowden, who is responsible for media policy in government, made it clear he was unhappy.A source close to the minister noted that the incident had “completely overshadowed the BBC’s announcement that it is moving out of London.”
The source added: “You can take the BBC out of London but you can’t take the metropolitan elite out of the BBC.”Later Ms Munchetty, 46, was forced to issue an apology on social media after she liked a number of anti-Conservative Tweets on Twitter.
One of the Tweets said: Top marks for calling out the flag waving government this morning! Should be done every time the Tories roll out one of their head ministers.”
Another said: “What has Charlie done? The flag shaggers will be up in arms. Tell him we love him.”
Mr Davie has threatened to sack staff who use social media inappropriately including liking Tweets which undermine their impartiality.
Rules state: “Nothing should appear on your personal social media accounts that undermine the perception of the BBC’s integrity or impartiality.”
This includes “likes” and to “avoid virtue signalling.”
In her statement later, Ms Munchetty apologised for her social media activity but not for the behaviour of the presenters on BBC Breakfast.
She Tweeted: “I have since removed these ‘likes’. This do not represent the views of me or the BBC. I apologise for any offence taken. Naga.”
Letter in full:
Dear Mr Davie,
We are writing to you regarding the behaviour of two of your presenters on the BBC Breakfast programme on the morning of 18th March 2021, namely Charlie Stayt and Naga Munchetty.
This is concerning the appearance of Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government Robert Jenrick MP and the subsequent comments made by the presenters.
At the conclusion of the interview, Mr Stayt made the comment to the Secretary of State that:
“I think your flag is not up to standard size Government interview measurements. I think it’s just a little bit small, but that’s your department really.”
Mr Stayt’s co-host could be heard laughing during this exchange and there was audible sniggering in the studio background, with one voice clearly saying “ooh”, in response to the rude remark about the Department for Housing, Communities and Local Government – a department which has been integral to our Covid-19 response.
“Just a thought” Mr Stayt added “You’ll be aware that every time we have… you’ve seen it every day. It’s a stock thing isn’t it.”
Ms Munchetty, having made reference the picture of the Queen once, then added “Always a flag. Had the picture of the Queen there as well though. In the Westminster office I’m assuming” and turned away in highly dismissive manner.
We have been inundated with complaints from constituents on this matter. We feel that the hosts need reminding that the B in BBC stands for British and that the comments and attitudes on display towards both our flag and our Queen were inappropriate and also disrespectful.
Recently the BBC received over 700 complaints following the behaviour of both presenters during an appearance on the Saturday Kitchen show, for behaviour which was also described in the media as being “rude” and “obnoxious” towards host Matt Tebbutt.
We therefore feel that the behaviour in this instance was inappropriate and fell below the high standards expected at the BBC. We would therefore ask that both Mr Stayt and Ms Munchetty are reprimanded for this behaviour and would ask them to apologise for their conduct.
Yours sincerely,
Brendan Clarke-Smith, Daniel Kawczynski, Marco Longhi, Scott Benton, Tom Hunt, Richard Holden, Rob Roberts, Gareth Bacon, Bob Blackman, Imran Khan, Lee Anderson, Royston Smith, Simon Jupp, Robert Goodwill, Jonathan Gullis, Sir John Hayes, Neil Fletcher
Source: Read Full Article