May 27th 2024.
Carol Vorderman, a well-known TV and radio presenter, recently spoke out about her experience of being let go by the BBC. In an interview with the Radio Times magazine, she expressed her frustration with the corporation's social media guidelines and claimed that she was "sacked" without any discussion.
Last year, Vorderman, who is 63 years old, left her BBC radio show, stating that she was not willing to lose her voice after the introduction of new social media guidelines. According to Vorderman, the BBC, led by Conservative individuals, is trying to control what people do in their personal lives. She believes that this is a ridiculous notion and goes against the freedom of expression.
The former Countdown star has been vocal about her criticism of the government on social media, often engaging in arguments with Tory MPs. She even called out then Home Secretary Suella Braverman for her remarks on homelessness, stating that the public is "ashamed" of her. Vorderman claims that her departure from the BBC was a result of her breaching the new guidelines, and she was asked to give up her Saturday morning show on BBC Radio Wales.
However, in January of this year, Vorderman joined LBC Radio to host her own Sunday afternoon programme. According to her, this change has been liberating, and she enjoys the freedom to express her opinions. She also clarified that her previous show on the BBC was a light entertainment show, focusing on showbiz gossip and chat, with no political discussions.
Vorderman believes that the new guidelines are an attempt to restrict the freedom of individuals, and she is not the only one affected by them. She finds it ironic that she is the only one who has been "sacked" for speaking her mind. When asked for a comment, the BBC stated that their new Social Media Guidance aims to balance impartiality and freedom of expression, and freelancers have a responsibility to maintain civility in public discourse.
In November, when Vorderman announced her departure from the BBC, she stated that she was not willing to change who she is or lose the ability to express her strong beliefs about the current political situation in the UK. She acknowledged breaching the guidelines and was sad to leave, but she stood by her decision. Vorderman also wished her former employer and listeners all the best.
The BBC's revised guidance on the personal use of social media for their employees has caused controversy, with presenters on flagship programmes like Match Of The Day and The Apprentice being banned from attacking political parties. However, this does not apply to contributors, pundits, judges, or guest hosts. The broadcaster has also provided additional guidance for freelancers and employees not working in news, current affairs, or factual journalism production.
This change came after a dispute involving MOTD presenter Gary Lineker, who compared the language used by the Conservative Government to 1930s Germany. The incident led to Lineker briefly not presenting the show, a boycott by sports staff, and a social media review. Vorderman, who is very vocal about her political beliefs on social media, believes that LBC Radio gives her the freedom to express her opinions.
She is currently promoting her book, Out Of Order: What's Gone Wrong With Britain And One Woman's Mission To Fix It, set to be published in September. The book will be supported by her Carol Vorderman Live! Out Of Order tour, which will take place across 11 dates in the UK. The BBC has been contacted for a comment.
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