Overview
- On a podcast released this afternoon, Lineker said previous governments have had too much sway over senior hires and called for a review of how top decision-makers are chosen.
- He argued that complete neutrality is unrealistic but described the BBC as the most trusted news source and said he still has affection for those who work there.
- His comments follow his May departure from Match of the Day after disputes over political posts on social media and a subsequent apology for an offensive post.
- He spoke of crying most days at images from Gaza and expressed hope for a genuine peace in 2026.
- He defended speaking out on immigration as an act of empathy for refugees, and his critique comes as the BBC faces pressure after the exits of Tim Davie and Deborah Turness linked to a Panorama editing controversy and a lawsuit by President Donald Trump.