‘Powerful individuals’ at BBC making lives of colleagues ‘unbearable’, says chairman
“Powerful individuals” at the BBC are making the lives of their colleagues “unbearable”, the corporation’s chairman has said, after a review into its workplace culture.
The independent report, sparked by the Huw Edwards scandal, was carried out by Change Associates, the same management consultancy that led a similar review in 2013, following the Jimmy Savile scandal.
BBC chairman Samir Shah told staff ahead of the report’s release on Monday morning: “There is a minority of people whose behaviour is simply not acceptable. And there are still places where powerful individuals – on and off screen – can abuse that power to make life for their colleagues unbearable.”
He said the report made recommendations to “prioritise action over procedural change”, as well as addressing “deep-seated issues” including staff not feeling confident enough to speak up.
Mr Shah added: “In the end, it’s quite simple: if you are a person who is prepared to abuse power or punch down or behave badly, there is no place for you at the BBC.”
While the review, which heard from around 2,500 employees and freelancers from 19 different countries, found no evidence of a toxic culture within the corporation, some staff said there was “a minority of people at the BBC – both on and off-air – who were able to behave unacceptably without it being addressed”.
The report said: “Even though they are small in number, their behaviour creates large ripples which negatively impact the BBC’s culture and external reputation.”
It said these people were “dotted across the organisation in different functions and departments”, and were “often in positions where power could be abused”.
While no specific names were mentioned in the report, it did note “some names were mentioned several times”.
Huw Edwards was handed a six-month suspended jail sentence in September. Pic: PA
Some considered ‘indispensable’
One example of poor behaviour given included an “untouchable” presenter being “called out for exceptionally inappropriate language”. It said that while “a report was made” and sanctions promised, a senior manager who was in the room at the time of the incident was “perceived as deferring so as not to rock the boat”.
It said a blind eye could be turned to poor behaviours “when productions were award-winning or attracting large audiences,” with some “difficult” presenters subsequently “man-marked” by BBC managers.
The report went on to warn that, “at its worst”, the corporation “rewards” such individuals “by providing little or no consequence to their actions”.
It recognised that some of those displaying “unacceptable behaviour” were perceived as “indispensable” to the corporation, and that by moving “potentially vexatious issues” to formal grievance without appropriate due diligence, the BBC was “tolerating” the problem.
It also said that by keeping those who formally raised an issue “in the dark about progress and outcomes,” it was unfairly punishing them.
‘Embarrassed and ashamed’
The power imbalance between “talent” and “crew” was raised, with one report contributor saying: “The pay differential between a producer and a flagship programme presenter is huge. The actual and perceived value of the presenter to the BBC versus the value to the BBC of the producer. How empowered really is a producer to raise and address issues?”
And while the report said many of the presenters they spoke to were “embarrassed and ashamed to be associated with people who feature in the press for their behavioural misdemeanours”, it also noted the tendency to treat talent with kid gloves.
One presenter said: “As the so-called talent, I’m aware that no one wants to upset me, people laugh at jokes, fuss around me, can’t do enough for me – it is false and unnecessary, and I can see how over time, some would come to expect it.”
The BBC board has fully accepted the report and its findings, as has BBC management.
BBC chairman Samir Shah. Pic: PA
BBC director-general Tim Davie called the report “an important moment for the BBC and the wider industry”.
He said the corporation would implement the recommendations “at pace”, making sure that BBC values are “lived and championed by the whole organisation each and every day.”
Actions being taken include:
• A strengthened code of conduct, with specific guidance for on-air presenters
• A more robust disciplinary policy, with updated examples of misconduct and clear consequences
• All TV production partners must meet Creative Industries Independent Standards Authority (CIISA) industry standards
• A new “Call It Out” campaign to promote positive behaviour, empower informal resolution and challenge poor conduct
• Clear pledges for anyone raising concerns, setting out what they can expect from the BBC
Further actions include succession planning for the most senior on-air roles, a new “resolving concerns helpline”, more training for managers and clearer behaviour expectations for freelancers.
A difficult year for the BBC
The BBC has been under pressure to act after a string of complaints against some of its top talent over the last 12 months.
In September, Edwards, who was the BBC’s lead news presenter, pleaded guilty to three counts of “making” indecent images of children. He was given a six-month suspended jail sentence and will be on the sex offenders’ register for seven years.
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Huw Edwards leaves court after sentencing
Earlier this month, following a CPS review, Russell Brand was charged with rape and sexual assault.
Brand, who worked for BBC Radio 2 and 6 Music between 2006 and 2008, denies all allegations against him and says all his sexual encounters were consensual.
The BBC also apologised in January after a review found it “did not take adequate action” upon learning about concerns over former Radio 1 DJ Tim Westwood following claims of “bullying and misogynistic behaviour”. Westwood has denied the allegations.
Other allegations of misconduct against BBC talent include accusations of a toxic environment on Strictly Come Dancing and the firing of The One Show presenter Jermaine Jenas after he admitted sending inappropriate messages to female colleagues.
And late last year, Gregg Wallace stepped down from his presenting role on MasterChef after multiple historical allegations of misconduct.
Wallace’s lawyers have said it is “entirely false that he engages in behaviour of a sexually harassing nature”. Wallace has since said he is seeking “space to heal”.
Entertainment
Comedian and actor Russell Brand bailed after appearing in court charged with rape and sexual assault
Russell Brand has been granted bail after appearing in court charged with sexual offences including rape.
During the brief hearing at Westminster Magistrates’ Court, the 49-year-old spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth, and address, also confirming to the judge that he understood his bail conditions.
Russell Brand outside Westminster Magistrates’ Court. Pic: Reuters
Brand, who has been living in the US, was charged by post last month with one count each of rape, indecent assault and oral rape – as well as two counts of sexual assault – in connection with incidents involving four separate women between 1999 and 2005.
The allegations were first made in a joint investigation by The Sunday Times, The Times and Channel 4 Dispatches in September 2023.
The comedian and actor did not say anything as he entered the court
The comedian, actor and author has denied the accusations and said he has “never engaged in non-consensual activity”.
Appearing before Senior District Judge Paul Goldspring, Brand stood to confirm his name and address. He then sat down while the charges were read to the court.
Brand surrounded by media. Pic: Reuters
Brand is charged with the rape of a woman in 1999 in the Bournemouth area. She alleges that after meeting Brand at a theatrical performance and chatting to him later in her hotel room, she returned from the toilet to find he’d removed some of his clothes. She claims he asked her to take photos of him, and then raped her.
The court also heard of another of Brand’s alleged victims, who has accused him of indecently assaulting her in 2001 by “grabbing her arm and dragging her towards a male toilet” at a TV station.
Brand is accused of the oral rape and sexual assault of a woman he met in 2004 in London. He is accused of grabbing her breasts before allegedly pulling her into a toilet.
The final complainant is a radio worker who has accused Brand of sexually assaulting her between 2004 and 2005 by “kissing” and “grabbing” her breasts and buttocks.
Brand leaves court. Pic: Reuters
The judge referred the case up to the Crown Court – informally known as the Old Bailey.
Brand was asked to supply both his US and UK addresses to the court.
When asked if he understood his bail conditions, he replied, “Yes”.
The case was adjourned and Brand, of Hambleden, Buckinghamshire, was told he must appear at the Old Bailey on 30 May.
Entertainment
Kneecap row: Paul Weller and Primal Scream lead musicians in signing open letter in support of rap trio
Paul Weller, Primal Scream and DJ Annie Mac are among the music stars who have signed a letter in support of rap group Kneecap.
The politically-charged Belfast trio, who are no strangers to controversy, have faced criticism in recent weeks following a performance at US festival Coachella in which they displayed the message “F*** Israel. Free Palestine”.
Then came the emergence of footage, taken from a gig at London’s Kentish Town Forum last November, which appeared to show one member of the group shouting “up Hamas, up Hezbollah”.
Video also emerged from a November 2023 gig, appearing to show one member of the group saying: “The only good Tory is a dead Tory. Kill your local MP.”
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch called for Kneecap to face prosecution over the two videos, while Glastonbury Festival is now facing pressure to drop them from this year’s line-up.
A handful of the group’s gigs have been cancelled, including one that was set to take place at Cornwall’s Eden Project.
In an open letter, the group’s record label, Heavenly Recordings, said there had been a “clear, concerted attempt to censor and ultimately deplatform” the group.
More than 40 music acts have now signed the letter.
Former The Jam frontman Paul Weller is one of the artists to have given Kneecap their backing. Pic: AP
It reads: “As artists, we feel the need to register our opposition to any political repression of artistic freedom.
“In a democracy, no political figures or political parties should have the right to dictate who does and does not play at music festivals or gigs that will be enjoyed by thousands of people.”
It also accuses politicians of “strategically concocting moral outrage over the stage utterings of a young punk band” while ignoring a “genocide” in Gaza.
“Kneecap are not the story. Gaza is the story. Genocide is the story,” it says. “And the silence, acquiescence and support of those crimes against humanity by the elected British Government is the real story.
“Solidarity with all artists with the moral courage to speak out against Israeli war crimes, and the ongoing persecution and slaughter of the Palestinian people.”
Read more:
Why are Kneecap controversial?
Instagram accounts belonging to other acts, including Mercury Prize nominees Yard Act, have commented on post featuring the statement, asking to be added.
Elsewhere, trip hop collective Massive Attack put out their own statement supporting Kneecap.
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Kneecap comments ‘dangerous and heartbreaking’
It comes as the Metropolitan Police is assessing the “kill MPs” video clip, along with the 2024 video in which a band member appeared to say “up Hamas, up Hezbollah”.
In a statement posted on Instagram, the group – made up of Liam Og O Hannaidh, Naoise O Caireallain and JJ O Dochartaigh – addressed the families of murdered MPs Sir David Amess and Jo Cox, saying: “We never intended to cause you hurt.”
Read more:
Kneecap remarks ‘dangerous’ says Sir David Amess’s daughter
Kneecap said they “reject any suggestion that we would seek to incite violence against any MP or individual”.
“Kneecap’s message has always been – and remains – one of love, inclusion, and hope,” the post added.
Entertainment
Daughter of Sir David Amess praises ‘swift action’ of counter-terror police’s Kneecap investigation
The daughter of murdered MP Sir David Amess has praised “swift action taken by law enforcement” after counter-terror police confirmed they are investigating claims the band Kneecap called for people to kill their MPs.
The Metropolitan Police revealed on Thursday that its Counter Terrorism Internet Referral Unit has found “there are grounds for further investigation into potential offences” in connection to two videos of the rap group.
The first, believed to be from a Kneecap gig at London’s Kentish Town Forum in November 2024, allegedly shows one member of the band shouting: “Up Hamas, up Hezbollah”.
The second, thought to be from a separate concert in November 2023, reportedly sees another say: “The only good Tory is a dead Tory. Kill your local MP.”
Sir David, Conservative MP for Southend-on-Sea, was murdered by Ali Harbi Ali at his constituency surgery in Leigh-on-Sea in October 2021.
It was the second murder of a British MP in less than 10 years, following the murder of Labour’s Jo Cox by Thomas Mair in 2016.
Sir David Amess. Pic: PA
Jo Cox. Pic: PA
Read more
Why are Kneecap controversial?
Murdered MP’s daughter ‘happy to meet’ rappers
Previously the Met said it was assessing whether the two clips of the Irish language trio met the threshold for an investigation.
Katie Amess said in response to their decision on Thursday to pursue an investigation: “Kneecap’s rhetoric is not only abhorrent but poses a direct threat to the safety and well-being of elected officials and the democratic institutions they represent.
“The glorification and incitement of violence have no place in our society and must be unequivocally condemned.
“I commend the swift action taken by law enforcement agencies in addressing this and urge a thorough investigation to determine the full extent of any criminal activity.”
She added that musicians “must be held accountable” for rhetoric that “incites violence and hatred” and that cultural venues should “not be exploited to propagate messages of hate”.
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Kneecap comments ‘dangerous and heartbreaking’
In a statement posted on Instagram, the group – made up of Liam Og O Hannaidh, Naoise O Caireallain and JJ O Dochartaigh – addressed the families of murdered MPs Sir David Amess and Jo Cox, saying: “We never intended to cause you hurt.”
But Ms Amess accused them of “gaslighting”, saying their comments were “absurd” and “not an apology”.
Katie Amess with her MP father Sir David Amess
Dozens of artists come out in support
Since the controversy emerged amid a backlash over their performance at US festival Coachella, in which they displayed the message “Free Israel. Free Palestine”, more than 40 artists have come out to support them.
Paul Weller, Primal Scream and DJ Annie Mac are among the music stars to have signed an open letter claiming there has been a “clear, concerted attempt to censor and ultimately de-platform” the band.
Kneecap had their concert at the Eden Project in Cornwall cancelled on Wednesday.
In its statement on Thursday, the Met Police confirmed: “Both videos were referred to the Counter Terrorism Internet Referral Unit for assessment by specialist officers, who have determined there are grounds for further investigation into potential offences linked to both videos.
“The investigation is now being carried out by officers from the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command and inquiries remain ongoing at this time.”
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