Intrepid
Well-Known Member
I've also received the exact same pish.I've just received this response.
Thanks for contacting us with your comments regarding one of our regular contributors, Michael Stewart.
We have received a range of feedback so keeping in mind pressures on licence fee resources, this response seeks to address the key points raised. That said, we apologise in advance if any of your points haven’t been specifically addressed here.
Michael is not a member of the BBC’s staff – he is engaged from time to time on elements of our sport coverage on television and radio. His social media accounts are personal to him, and the guidance published by the BBC makes clear that those who appear as pundits in this sort of capacity are not subject to the broader requirements of impartiality on social media.
Michael is one of a range of contributors to our sport output, all of whom are aware of, and must abide by, the BBC’s Editorial Guidelines in relation to these contributions.
Finally, we can assure you that the BBC is not biased for or against any football club. Our reporting is undertaken fully in line with the BBC’s Editorial Guidelines and with the Broadcasting Code which is laid down by the independent industry regulator, Ofcom.
Thank you again for your feedback. We’ve shared your concerns with BBC Sport Scotland and senior management.
Kind regards,
BBC Complaints Team
I've sent them a reply.
Dear BBC complaints team,
Thank you for your reply.
I find your response to be wholly unacceptable.
You state that as Mr Stewart is not a BBC employee he is "not subject to the broader requirements of impartiality on social media." You also state that Mr Stewart "is one of a range of contributors to our sport output, all of whom are aware of, and must abide by, the BBC’s Editorial Guidelines in relation to these contributions.
This position is either spectacularly naive or simply incomprehensible. Social Media Michael, BBC Contributor Michael and Celtic TV Michael are one and the same. He is incapable of being impartial when contributing his opinions on Rangers Football Club. I will not be funding the BBC for as long as this once gold standard of honest and balanced reporting pays for the bias of Michael Stewart.
As a current license payer I request that you address the current appalling standard of reporting of Rangers Football Club. While paying contributors whose loyalties lie elsewhere it's not surprising that BBC Scotland's sport output is compromised.
I would be grateful if you could provide me with the BBC’s Editorial Guidelines and with the Broadcasting Code which is laid down by the independent industry regulator, Ofcom.
I look forward to hearing from you
Mr Intrepid