BBC Director-General Tim Davie has issued a directive that reporters and staff within the corporation’s newsroom are not permitted to wear Black Lives Matter T-shirts while on duty. Speaking at the Cheltenham Literature Festival, Davie emphasized the importance of maintaining impartiality and neutrality in news coverage. He suggested that visible displays of political or social movements, such as Black Lives Matter apparel, could compromise the BBC’s reputation for unbiased journalism.
Additionally, Davie addressed the corporation’s approach to covering reform-related topics, affirming the BBC’s commitment to thorough, balanced reporting. While acknowledging the significance of social issues, he reiterated the necessity for staff to adhere to guidelines that uphold the BBC’s principles of fairness and objectivity.