The BBC's impartiality was questioned after journalists were told to lobby in favour of transgender rights.
The broadcaster hired a transgender campaign group, called Global Butterflies, to carry out training for staff this week.
During the training, participants were told to use their “magical ally powers” to protest for trans rights.
The BBC's impartiality was questioned
Ian West
News of the training was revealed on The Nolan Show
Aaron Chown
The sessions raised questions over the BBC's impartiality.
On their website, the BBC says: “The BBC is committed to achieving due impartiality in all its output.
“This commitment is fundamental to our reputation, our values and the trust of audiences.”
News of the training was revealed by BBC Radio Ulster programme The Nolan Show, where host Stephen Nolan reported that the sessions were voluntary and for new staff.
One slide within a presentation on Monday reportedly read: “An ally uses their privilege, whatever that might be, eg wealth, seniority, ethnicity, connections, social status etc, to access influencers — for example, leaders, celebrities — change the minds of the media, influence politicians, write or share stories and articles and tell people what is happening.”
While another is said to have showed images of people holding up placards, to which the trainer told participants “don’t be afraid to protest".
The Nolan Show reported that a participant said: “The second you join the BBC, impartiality is hammered into you.
“As soon as I saw that (slide), I was thinking how is this impartial?”
The BBC said: “This is a voluntary course and includes generic training materials provided by a third party, but the BBC’s editorial guidelines are sacrosanct.
“Our staff know this and they understand their responsibilities.
“The slide in question has not been included previously and will be removed for any future sessions.”
