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Sir Alan Sugar role risk to BBC impartiality
Ben Bailey22.07.09
Sir Alan Sugar's dual role as government adviser and star of The Apprentice posed a "greater than normal risk" to the BBC's impartiality in the run up to next year's general election, the corporation's governing body ruled today.
The Conservatives had complained to the BBC that Lord Sugar's appointment could breach corporation rules on impartiality in the lead-up to the vote, which must be called by next May.
But the BBC Trust said the newly-ennobled Lord Sugar's job as government "enterprise champion" would not lead to a direct conflict of interest with his role in The Apprentice providing that strict safeguards were observed.
Reader views (6)
I'm with Ronnie from Billericay on this.
Biased Broadcasting Corporation.
Unbalanced and biased on the EU and global warming for starters.
- Giles Pepperell, Bangor, Gwynedd, Wales
Ha Ha Ha thanks for the laugh..."BBC's impartiality", oh wonderful wonderful, what impartiality from the Brown (previously Blair) Broadcasting Corporation? About as impartial as a Damian McBride blog site.
Sorry, can't say any more, I'm still laughing.
- Ronnie, Billericay UK
Does everyone realize how many times "strict safeguards" go un-observed?
Just look at the story about Broadmoor: "we forgot to lock up the baddies. Sorry."
- Trunk, US
Given the number of MPs and the Mayor of London who commentate in newspapers on the television (often on political matters) and given the number of MPs who are paid consultants for large businesses (primarily Tories) I cannot see where the conflict arises here for a show that has no political content at all. In any event the programme is pre-recorded so could be vetted to ensure that no political issues are raised.
- Andy, london
Answer is simple drop the show or find somebody else if it must be shown as a fee payer i say scrap it dragons den is more better value than lord up himself
- Terry C, London
Lord Asparatane gives impartial advice to the Governments Enterprise Culture "your sacked".
- William, Hay~Heath UK
