"BBC's New Social Media Rules for Stars: Policing Content on the Brink"

The BBC is expected to release new social media rules for its biggest stars following a controversy involving Gary Lineker's tweet earlier this year. An independent review by former ITN CEO John Hardie is likely to be published soon, clarifying how social media guidelines should apply to freelance presenters. The BBC may introduce restrictions on what stars can comment on, potentially banning them from discussing sensitive or contentious issues on platforms like Twitter. The review is expected to establish a three-tier system, with stricter rules for BBC News employees and "crown jewel" presenters. The Lineker crisis highlighted confusion over existing social media rules, leading to his suspension, which was later reversed after protests from colleagues.