BBC presenter scandal is sleazy and depressing – but at the heart of this a family is suffering

Well here we go again.

A different channel but similar fury as the alleged conduct of another well-known British TV presenter on a fat salary makes headlines.

While many on social media are dining out on the salacious gossip of it all, it’s worth noting why, once again, this merits talking about.

For the presenter in question, the phrase more money than sense immediately comes to mind. But don’t forget the human cost.

One family feeling so badly wronged by one of the biggest names in broadcasting that they risk the embarrassment and anguish of going public with a hugely personal matter.

Make no mistake, this is a big problem for the BBC.

Conversations about safeguarding procedures and workplace culture are standard across all organisations nowadays. As our public service broadcaster, the BBC is supposed to lead by example.

If, as it’s claimed, the family of the teenager in question first complained back in May, it is inexcusable that the presenter in question was allowed to continue broadcasting in the interim.

On a very basic level, it’s not a good look. Seemingly prioritising the stars rather than taking a step back to thoroughly investigate.

While nobody is comparing this to the serious failings that allowed Jimmy Savile and Stuart Hall to sexually abuse during their time at the corporation, the BBC assured us it had learned lessons from the mistakes of its past.

Recently the corporation was the centre of negative headlines over its response to Gary Lineker tweeting his criticism of the government’s migration policy.

And the BBC is all too aware of the need for transparency following the resignation of former chairman Richard Sharp over the Boris Johnson loan scandal.

Of course, the focus now is on what happens next.

Being honest and open is surely the only way through this for the BBC. Tell us who knew what and when and, to an extent, the flames would dampen.

Say very little, as the BBC press office is prone to, and the outrage is understandable.

Read more:
Everything we know about claims a BBC presenter paid teen for sexually explicit photos
BBC stars deny being the presenter accused of paying teenager for sexually explicit photos

Once again, to the public, there is a sense that the big broadcasters find it easier to turn a blind eye to what their stars have allegedly been up to rather than do what is right.

While the witch-hunt goes into overdrive, as countless Reddit threads try to piece together who has apologised, who hasn’t been seen on screen, try not to forget the family suffering at the heart of this.

It is, to state the obvious, all rather sleazy. All rather depressing. But as the public pays for the BBC and the fat salaries within it, we do need to talk about this.