It can look a bit complicated when BBC News is covering a story about the BBC.

But with stories like today's, BBC News journalists treat the BBC in the same way as any other organisation the news service reports on.

And like with any other organisation, BBC News has to ask BBC management or BBC services for responses and contact the BBC press office for official statements.

Occasionally BBC journalists approach senior managers for unplanned interviews - known as "doorsteps" in the news business.

They also sometimes get offered interviews with management - like this one with director general Tim Davie over the Gary Lineker row.

And when this happens, they know they'll be scrutinised within and outside the BBC over how well they hold their boss to account.

Earlier, we shared details of the TV presenters affected by the BBC's new social media guidance. But also covered are four BBC radio presenters. Here's the list:

• Radio 1, Breakfast - Greg James
• Radio 2, Breakfast - Zoe Ball
• Radio 2, Mid-Morning - Vernon Kay
• Radio 2, Afternoon - Scott Mills

There are still grey areas - and grey areas can lead to rowspublished at 11:34 British Summer Time 28 September 2023

11:34 BST 28 September 2023

David Sillito
Media and arts correspondent

It is a 50-page document and it is anything but simple.

The top line from this review - there is a new list of flagship programmes, including Match of the Day, and its presenters should not bring the BBC into disrepute or political bother.

There are many, many grey areas and a lot of detail which still needs to be waded through.

For example, that tweet which got Lineker into bother - how would that be tested against the new rules?

Grey areas often extend to the next row, so I think there is a lot of clarification still needed in all of this.

Craig Oliver - former director of policy and communications at Downing Street, and before that a BBC editor - has posted his thoughts, external on social media. He writes:

"The only reason this guidance now exists is because of the row over @GaryLineker, external tweeting that the govt language on migration was 'not dissimilar to that used by Germany in the 1930s' - so the key question is: Would he be allowed to send it now? I wonder if BBC will answer it…"

A row erupted in March after Match of the Day presenter Gary Lineker (who’s mentioned below) tweeted criticism of the government's plan to stop people who arrive in the UK illegally from claiming asylum.

He likened language used by MPs "to that used by Germany in the 30s".

The BBC took Lineker - a freelancer who is not technically a member of staff - off air, saying he had broken its guidelines on impartiality.

But he returned a week later, with the corporation announcing an independent review of its social media guidelines, particularly for freelancers.

That's what we've received today.

We have had some reaction from Match of the Day presenter Gary Lineker - whose tweet earlier this year about the government's asylum policy language caused a furore.

He writes on Twitter, now known as X: "All very sensible."

Image source, PA Media

Let's bring you some reaction from the BBC's director general.

Tim Davie says: "We all have a responsibility to treat people with civility and respect, particularly at a time when public debate and discussion, both on and offline, can be so polarised.

"The BBC also has important commitments to both freedom of expression and impartiality - and this rightly extends to social media.

"Clarity on how those working for the BBC use social media is no only important for them and the organisation, but also for our audiences.

"The new guidance, which includes new requirements for presenters of our flagship programmes, is both proportionate and fair and protects these commitments.”

"Strict requirements" for impartiality still stand for those working in news, current affairs, factual journalism and senior leadership.

But other freelance presenters outside these areas - and the "flagship" shows - continue to have "no impartiality requirements on social media", according to the guidance.

The same applies for actors, dramatists, comedians, musicians and pundits.

The rules apply to BBC "flagship" presenters - whether they are staff or freelance. The flagship shows are:

• Match of the Day - Gary Lineker and Mark Chapman*
• The Apprentice - Lord Alan Sugar
• Antiques Roadshow - Fiona Bruce*
• Dragon's Den - Evan Davis*
• The One Show - Alex Jones
• Masterchef - John Torode and Greg Wallace
• Top Gear - currently not in production
• Strictly Come Dancing - Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman
• Major events (e.g. sporting events) - confirmed when on air

*Also covered by guidance for those working in news & current affairs or factual journalism.

The new guidance includes certain rules while “flagship programmes” are on air - and for a two-week window before and after the series.

Flagship programme presenters must not:

• Endorse or attack a political party (including parties in government or opposition)
• Criticise the character of individual politicians in the UK
• Comment on any issue that is a matter of political debate during the election period for UK general elections and referendums in any part of the UK
• Take up an official role in campaigning groups or become involved in fundraising for campaigning

In his review, Hardie writes that "high-profile presenters outside of journalism should be able to express views on issues and policies”.

He says this includes “matters of political contention”.

But, he adds, they must “stop well short of campaigning in party politics or for activist organisations”.

James FitzGerald
Live reporter

The findings of an independent review to address “grey areas” in the BBC’s social media guidelines have been published.

The review - led by former ITN chief executive - was ordered when Match of the Day presenter Gary Lineker was briefly taken off air earlier this year for tweeting about the government’s migration language.

Informed by today's review, the BBC has published new guidance around the use of social media for its journalists.

Owen Amos, Emily Atkinson, Barbara Tasch, Thomas Mackintosh and I are picking through the documents and will bring you the top lines on this page.