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Â鶹ԼÅÄ Director-General, Tim Davie, has released a statement regarding Gary’s use of social media. In it, he’s said the following:

“Everyone recognises this has been a difficult period for staff, contributors, presenters and, most importantly, our audiences. I apologise for this. The potential confusion caused by the grey areas of the Â鶹ԼÅÄ’s social media guidance that was introduced in 2020 is recognised. I want to get matters resolved and our sport content back on air.

“Impartiality is important to the Â鶹ԼÅÄ. It is also important to the public. The Â鶹ԼÅÄ has a commitment to impartiality in its Charter and a commitment to freedom of expression. That is a difficult balancing act to get right where people are subject to different contracts and on air positions, and with different audience and social media profiles. The Â鶹ԼÅÄ’s social media guidance is designed to help manage these sometimes difficult challenges and I am aware there is a need to ensure that the guidance is up to this task. It should be clear, proportionate, and appropriate.

“Accordingly, we are announcing a review led by an independent expert – reporting to the Â鶹ԼÅÄ â€“ on its existing social media guidance, with a particular focus on how it applies to freelancers outside news and current affairs. The Â鶹ԼÅÄ and myself are aware that Gary is in favour of such a review.

“Shortly, the Â鶹ԼÅÄ will announce who will conduct that review. Whilst this work is undertaken, the Â鶹ԼÅÄ’s current social media guidance remains in place.

“Gary is a valued part of the Â鶹ԼÅÄ and I know how much the Â鶹ԼÅÄ means to Gary, and I look forward to him presenting our coverage this coming weekend.â€�

Gary himself has also commented on the matter, stating: “I am glad that we have found a way forward. I support this review and look forward to getting back on air.�

We recognise the strength of feeling these issues have provoked across our audience, and we’d like to reassure all audiences that this has been heard and discussed across all levels of the Â鶹ԼÅÄ.