BBC And Sky Sports Join Forces To Combat Online Hate

The BBC and Sky have teamed up for a new campaign which will send a ‘zero-tolerance message’ on online hate.

The move comes after both broadcasters launched anti-hate and discrimination campaigns. BBC Sport launched the Hate Won’t Win initiative with the aim of making its social media channels ‘a safer place for everyone’, while Sky Sports also released a Hate Won’t Stop Us campaign, leading on the message that ‘everybody is welcome’.

Since then, hundreds of accounts have been blocked and thousands of abusive comments have been removed or hidden on the BBC’s channels

With a combined social media following of over 86million, the pair will join forces to combat online hate.

“We are delighted that Sky have joined us in the continuation of Hate Won’t Win to show online abuse is simply unacceptable,” said  Barbara Slater, Director of BBC Sport.

“By partnering with Sky, we hope to spread the message even further that our social media accounts have a zero tolerance policy towards hateful messages. If we’re on the same team, hate won’t win.”

Sky Sports Managing Director Rob Webster added: “The collective influence of our two organisations coming together is a powerful moment to drive a change in behaviour online and show that hate won’t win. 

“Sky Sports and BBC Sport reach a huge combined audience and our message is loud and clear – enough is enough.”

In a new video produced by both broadcasters (above), Sky and BBC presenters and pundits including Gary Lineker, Alex Scott, Isa Guha, Micah Richards, Gary Neville, Nasser Hussain, Ebony Rainford-Brent and Gabby Logan have voiced their support to stop hateful messages and online trolling.