By suspending a top sports broadcaster over tweeting about politics, the BBC has inadvertently forced itself into the center of a U.S. style culture war
created controversy by protesting racial inequality and police brutality by taking a knee during the national anthem, leading to a debate about whether pro athletes should mix sports and politics so publicly.
Unlike the U.S., where the TV landscape is highly polarized and viewers often get different sides of the same story, the BBC still largely sets the television news agenda nationally. It is widely seen as one of the most critical institutions in modern Britain, responsible forfrom culture to the British accent. It is also praised as a key bulwark in helping the U.K. largely avoid the kinds of large-scale culture wars, sometimes fueled by misinformation, that have beset the U.S.
BBC director general Tim Davie defended his decision on Saturday by saying the broadcaster has to strive for impartiality and can’t allow its journalists to take sides on political issues of the day. Opposition politicians and others accused the BBC of having a double standard. BBC Chairman Richard Sharp donated to the Conservative Party, and helped arrange a loan for then-Prime Ministerwhen Mr. Sharp was under consideration for the job to lead the BBC’s board, a job he later got. He has denied wrongdoing. That appointment is now under review by an independent watchdog, the Commissioner for Public Appointments.
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Artist creates sand portrait of Colin Farrell ahead of OscarsOscar-nominated Colin Farrell is getting some artistic love from his homeland ahead of the Academy Awards.
Read more »
Every Martin McDonagh & Colin Farrell Movie RankedMartin McDonagh and Colin Farrell have made three brilliant dark comedies together, but not all of their movie collaborations are equal in quality.
Read more »
Oscar Nominee Colin Farrell’s Dating History Over the YearsA man of mystery! Oscar nominee Colin Farrell has managed to keep his love life primarily out of the limelight.
Read more »
'Blonde,' Tom Hanks, Machine Gun Kelly Win Big at 2023 RazziesThe Razzies — the annual award show that celebrates Hollywood’s worst — have named its 2023 honorees, with 'Blonde,' Tom Hanks and Machine Gun Kelly among the 'winners'
Read more »
Strikes Update: How Monday 13 March junior doctors' strike will affect youWhat you need to know about the junior doctors' strike by the BBC's Zoe Conway.
Read more »
More coverage disruptions at BBC as Lineker crisis deepensLONDON (AP) — The BBC's sports coverage faced a second day of severe disruptions Sunday as dozens of staff refused to work in solidarity with top soccer host Gary Lineker, who was suspended by the broadcaster after he tweeted criticism of the British government's asylum policy.
Read more »