Tighter ???

The updated guidelines on BBC employees using social media are now online, and, entertainingly, talk about 'expectations' as well as rules.....

The following rules and expectations apply to all those working for the BBC, for professional (@BBC) and personal social media accounts.
1. Always behave professionally, treating others with respect and courtesy at all times: follow the BBC’s Values.
2. Don’t bring the BBC into disrepute.
3. If your work requires you to maintain your impartiality, don’t express a personal opinion on matters of public policy, politics, or ‘controversial subjects’.**
4. Don’t criticise your colleagues in public. Respect the privacy of the workplace and the confidentiality of internal announcements.

You'll notice a narrower requirement 'if your work requires you to maintain your impartiality'. [Did we need 'your' ? Ed]. It is explained as 'those working in news and current affairs (across all Divisions) and factual journalism production or senior management. 'Factual journalism includes returning strands which cover topical issues (such as Countryfile, The One Show and Woman’s Hour). It does not include, for example, specialist, authored or limited documentary series.'

So Alex Jones and her co-hosts have to behave, but is Gary Lineker, in sport, is allowed a personal political opinion on Twitter ? 

There are also others who are not journalists or involved in factual programming who nevertheless have an additional responsibility to the BBC because of their profile on the BBC. We expect these individuals to avoid taking sides on party political issues or political controversies and to take care when addressing public policy matters.

Individuals working in other areas or who have specific contractual arrangements with the BBC may also be required to adhere to this guidance.