Latest news with #Frediani
Yahoo
09-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
‘BBC Breakfast' Boss Richard Frediani Faces Further Bullying Claims: 'A Tyrant On The Shop Floor'
BBC Breakfast boss Richard Frediani is facing further allegations of workplace bullying and misconduct, with senior presenter Naga Munchetty among those thought to have misgivings about his behavior. Deadline revealed last month how Frediani was the subject of at least two misconduct complaints, including one from a woman who had her grievance upheld after claiming that the Breakfast editor physically shook her during a newsroom exchange last year. More from Deadline 'Line Of Duty' Stars "Commit To Season 7 Return In 2026" - Report Russell Brand Charged With Rape And Sexual Assault 'The Capture' Renewed For Season 3 At BBC Now, Deadline can report that concerns about Frediani's conduct run deeper at the BBC, while he has also been accused of behaving inappropriately at his previous employer, ITN, where he was overseen by the same executives now running BBC News. The BBC declined to comment on individual HR matters. Frediani's position is that he was unaware of any complaints being made about his conduct at ITN. After nine of Frediani's colleagues spoke to Deadline for our original investigation, a further 11 people have come forward to discuss their experiences. Seven of these individuals worked with Frediani at ITN, where he held senior roles on the team that produces ITV News. We can reveal: Several sources said Breakfast presenter Naga Munchetty has raised concerns with BBC bosses about Frediani's conduct. Tina Daheley, another senior presenter, has chosen not to appear on News at One, the flagship bulletin that Frediani also edits. Current and former ITN employees said they felt Frediani was a 'bully,' who would shout, swear at, and intimidate colleagues. Sources claimed complaints were made about his conduct. Deborah Turness and Jonathan Munro, BBC News' two most senior executives, oversaw Frediani at ITN and sources claimed they were aware of his reputation. Neither could recall any complaints being made about Frediani at ITN. After Deadline's original story, Breakfast employees were told that misconduct allegations would be treated seriously, but some are dubious that action will be taken because of Frediani's status at BBC News. The allegations come as the BBC prepares to publish an external review of its workplace culture later this month, following a series of scandals about the conduct of powerful men. BBC director general Tim Davie has said he wants Change Associates, the management consultancy leading the review, to make practical recommendations about how managers can create a culture where there is 'zero tolerance' for wrongdoing. Davie told lawmakers last month that the BBC has improved its complaints handling and staff are more confident in processes, but he said that if there are examples of concerns not being treated seriously, it is a 'grade one' issue. Four people familiar with the tensions over Frediani said Munchetty, one of Breakfast's most prominent hosts, has an uneasy relationship with her editor and has spoken to BBC News managers about her concerns. A journalist at a rival news organization said she is 'quite open' about her disquiet regarding his treatment of Breakfast employees. Munchetty did not respond to requests for comment. Separately, three sources said Radio 2 newsreader Tina Daheley has chosen not to appear on Frediani's News at One. She was named as a presenter on the bulletin last May, but is said to have been deeply upset by how her appointment was announced. A press release unveiling News at One's presenting line-up featured images of all the white news anchors but did not picture Daheley, per an archived web page. The BBC press office took full responsibility for the error, which was quickly corrected after Daheley voiced her dismay. A source said Frediani, who was quoted in the press release, did not see the final version before it was published on the BBC website. He later apologized to Daheley. Daheley did not respond to requests for comment. Munchetty and Daheley have each worked at the BBC for more than 17 years and both feature among the corporation's highest-paid presenters. Munchetty juggles her Breakfast duties with Radio 5 Live, while Daheley also hosts Points of View and News at Six. Other BBC employees came forward with their experiences. One person claimed to have witnessed an incident in 2019, during which a 'clearly angry' Frediani cornered a Breakfast colleague up against a wall and was 'jabbing his finger' as he voiced displeasure about that morning's show. Two sources alleged that Frediani is known for 'screaming' down the phone at other BBC News desks and complaining about the quality of content they supply Breakfast. In the period after Deadline's first story about Frediani, insiders said that he has behaved as if it is business as usual. The day after publication, Breakfast and News at One staff were emailed by John McAndrew, BBC News' director of programmes, to remind them about the corporation's approach to complaints of wrongdoing. 'With regard to culture and behaviour – and this stands for all of our teams across the organisation – please be assured that if, or when, any allegations of any inappropriate behaviour come to me, they will be taken seriously, comprehensively investigated, and if upheld, action will be taken,' McAndrew wrote. Some at Breakfast were dubious about this message given that Frediani has been the subject of complaints, and yet has been rewarded with more power. Bosses knew that Frediani had been accused of shaking a female colleague last year before they expanded his responsibilities to include the News at One. 'Senior management has been repeatedly told by various people that there is a problem, and they haven't done anything about it,' said a BBC source. Seven of Frediani's former ITN colleagues, who spoke to Deadline on the condition of anonymity, recounted their experiences of his behavior. He did two spells at ITN, lasting a total of nearly 14 years, the most recent of which was between 2012 and 2019, when he left to join BBC Breakfast. Characterized as a 'tyrant on the shop floor,' former colleagues said Frediani ran the newsroom with 'unbridled aggression,' creating a culture of fear among those around him, including his superiors. ITN declined to comment on historical allegations about Frediani. Those interviewed by Deadline alleged that he would undermine colleagues in editorial meetings by muttering and swearing under his breath, taking assignments away from journalists he did not rate, and openly smirking or rolling his eyes at story suggestions that did not meet his standards. 'It would be a public humiliation exercise, right in the middle of the office,' said one person privy to the meetings. Others recalled him having stand-up rows, shouting, swearing, and jabbing his finger in the direction of co-workers. 'He was accustomed to getting into your personal space when talking to you, leaning into you, perhaps inches away from your face, or touching you to make a point,' a former colleague recalled. Sources alleged that he routinely ignored or sidelined colleagues he considered 'persona non grata,' stripping them of responsibility or freezing them out of desirable stories. Sources said this was because Frediani did not personally rate the individual or had previously clashed with them. 'In isolation, it doesn't sound hugely significant … but it had such a toxic effect on people,' said another former ITN insider. The allegations echoed those made by BBC insiders, who shared stories about his alleged aggression and lamented the 'clubbable' atmosphere he has created at Breakfast, in which favorites are rewarded and others are left out in the cold. There is a feeling that his behavior does not accord with BBC values around fairness and inclusivity. Several of Frediani's former ITN co-workers said complaints were made about his conduct, though it is not clear how formal these grievances were. One person told Deadline that they made a complaint to a manager and HR about Frediani's behavior, but were told to get used to his style. Others said they stopped short of complaining because they worried it would not be dealt with seriously by ITN or it could be damaging for their career. 'If I'd made a formal complaint, it would have fallen on deaf ears, and I'd have been slowly squeezed out,' said one person. Frediani was a programme editor at ITV News in Deborah Turness' final year as overall editor of the service before she joined NBC News. Jonathan Munro, now BBC News' global news director, also worked in a senior role at ITV News during this time. 'Turness is fully aware of what he is like,' said one person. Another source, a seasoned journalist, claimed that 'a blind eye' had been turned to Frediani's alleged conduct. Turness' position is that she does not recall any complaint, formal or informal, about Frediani during the time they overlapped at ITN. Munro was also unaware of complaints and strongly denies that a 'blind eye' was turned to any alleged misconduct. Frediani's position is that he was unaware of any complaints about his conduct and nothing was raised with him. ITN is currently facing questions over its handling of historical complaints and use of non-disclosure agreements after an independent report concluded last year that employees had 'low trust' in management processes. Deadline can reveal that the company recently engaged People Puzzles, an external HR consultancy, to improve its people management and complaints processes. Staff have recently been surveyed about their experiences. An ITN spokesperson said: 'We are committed to a culture of openness and trust, which includes ensuring that any time a concern is raised, it is addressed promptly, thoroughly, and fairly.' WHO IS RICHARD FREDIANI?Described as one of the most formidable British TV news editors of his generation, Richard Frediani has risen from being a local radio reporter in his native city of Preston to the BBC's most powerful news executive outside of London. Based out of Salford, Frediani has called the shots on BBCBreakfast, the UK's highest-rated morning show, since September 2019. He recently had his role expanded to include the flagship News at One. He is said to have an instinctive understanding of audiences outside of London, a much-prized skill at the BBC, which is often accused of being biased towards the capital. Captain Tom MooreFrediani is known as a news obsessive. An ITN colleague recalled how he used to record the weekday news bulletins of his rivals and watch them back at the weekend while doing the family's ironing. Fueled by a love of sweet treats, Frediani is a near-constant presence in the office and asks his team to pitch stories that make viewers late for work because they are so compelling to has fashioned Breakfast into a show that seeks to set the agenda with human interest stories, such as propelling Captain Tom Moore into the national consciousness by spotlighting his pandemic heroics. Colleagues have called him a 'campaigning' editor, who doubles down on issues that strike a chord with audiences. Breakfast's coverage of the Post Office scandal is evidence of this and earned the show its first-ever BAFTA TV Awards nomination last month. Breakfast has won a Royal Television Society award on Frediani's who have worked with Frediani claimed his skills and track record are the reasons why his superiors have been prepared to overlook behavior that allegedly upsets some colleagues. There is also the view that he has built a unique empire in Salford and is not subject to same managerial oversight as his London-based contemporaries. Best of Deadline 2025 TV Series Renewals: Photo Gallery 2025-26 Awards Season Calendar: Dates For Tonys, Emmys, Oscars & More Brad Pitt's Apple 'F1' Movie: Everything We Know So Far
Yahoo
06-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
‘BBC Breakfast' Editor Was Rewarded With More Power After Facing Bullying & Misconduct Claims
EXCLUSIVE: The boss of the BBC's flagship breakfast news show had his powers beefed up after facing allegations of bullying, favoritism, and shaking a female colleague, Deadline can reveal. Richard Frediani is arguably the BBC's most powerful news executive outside of London, leading BBC Breakfast to awards success and agenda-setting stories. But behind the show's famous red sofa, and the welcoming faces of presenters like Sally Nugent and Jon Kay, there has been disquiet about his leadership. More from Deadline 'Matilda The Musical' Scribe Dennis Kelly Penning BBC Adaptation Of Andy West's Prison Memoir 'The Life Inside' Long-Serving BBC Comms Boss John Shield To Exit After A Decade BBC "Open Minded" About UK Streamer Levy To Help Solve Scripted Funding Crisis Deadline has spoken to nine BBC insiders about Frediani, with sources detailing at least two workplace misconduct complaints since he became the editor of Breakfast in September 2019, one of which was the subject of a formal grievance process last year. The BBC declined to comment on individual HR matters. Frediani did not respond to a request for comment. Frediani, who likes to be known by his school nickname 'Fredi,' is described by insiders as a 'bruiser' from a bygone era of newsroom culture. Sources alleged that they have felt shouted at when mistakes have been made on-air, while one person witnessed Frediani walk out of the production gallery and kick a wastebasket. Employees also expressed unease about a culture of favoritism. Although his news credentials are praised by colleagues, those who spoke with Deadline said the former ITV News executive's behavior does not always accord with BBC values around respect and fairness. One employee said Frediani is seen as 'untouchable' and people are 'scared to speak out' because of the power he has accumulated in Salford, the BBC's headquarters in the north of England, where Breakfast is based. Frediani 'Shook' Female Colleague In one incident, highlighted by multiple insiders as an example of his behavior crossing a professional boundary, Frediani allegedly physically shook a lower-ranking female editor during a newsroom exchange in February 2024. The incident was investigated by the BBC and the woman's complaint was upheld. The female editor, whom Deadline has chosen not to name, did not respond when contacted for comment. Soon after the matter was resolved, Frediani's role was expanded last May when the BBC's News at One was moved to Salford, giving him control of the bulletin in addition to editing Breakfast. The two shows are comfortably the highest-rated in their slots and give Frediani significant influence over the tone and agenda of BBC News' output on BBC One. It is not known if Frediani was subject to disciplinary action after the grievance, but his increased power base raised questions internally about whether the BBC is taking strong enough action against those accused of inappropriate behavior. Giving evidence to UK Parliament's Culture, Media and Sport Committee this week, BBC Director General Tim Davie said the corporation has 'zero tolerance' for misconduct, even if an employee considers it to be a 'marginal' complaint about wrongdoing. 'Everyone is dispensable,' he told lawmakers about disciplinary processes. Despite the emphatic comments, Deadline can reveal that the BBC is failing to take disciplinary action against the majority of individuals when it upholds complaints of wrongdoing. Figures obtained under a Freedom of Information (FOI) Act request show that the BBC has upheld 39 bullying, harassment, and sexual harassment cases over the past three years, but only 13 people have faced disciplinary action and one staffer was dismissed. It means punishment was only meted out in around a third of successful complaints. Of the 72 grievances upheld or partially upheld by the BBC over the past five years, only two employees have lost their jobs. BBC management's position is that all complaints are treated seriously, but disciplinary action varies depending on the circumstances of the case. There are a range of punishments the BBC can enforce, including written warnings, dismissal, and redeployment or demotion. BBC policies state that written warnings only have a 12-month shelf-life, but can remain on a person's record for longer in exceptional circumstances. Second Frediani Complaint Deadline is aware of at least one other occasion when a BBC employee felt compelled to contact HR colleagues about Frediani. Sources said a former Breakfast staffer first raised concerns with managers and HR in 2020. This individual, whom Deadline is not naming, initially flagged allegations that Frediani was bullying a colleague. Following the complaint, the employee is said to have felt actively sidelined and belittled. One person familiar with the matter alleged that Frediani shouted and swore at the staffer, treating them 'significantly differently' from those he considered to be loyalists. In one particular incident, the source accused Frediani of 'barging into' the production gallery and 'banging his fist on a glass wall' as he reprimanded colleagues for an on-air error. The source said 'nothing happened' when concerns were flagged. The unnamed former Breakfast staffer declined to comment. The person's concerns were raised after the Mail on Sunday reported on a 'bullying culture' at Breakfast in May 2020. The newspaper wrote that there had been five complaints to managers and HR, which do not include those referenced by Deadline. Staff said they felt shouted at and that Frediani 'gets very cross regularly.' The newspaper also reported that he had created a 'boys club' of favorites. Insiders confirmed to Deadline that they have witnessed a 'clubbable' atmosphere at Breakfast. Accusations ranged from Frediani failing to address certain colleagues when entering a room and excluding people from jokes, to more serious concerns about people being stripped of decision-making power. This is seen as being out of step with BBC values, which state that leaders should 'build a team environment where we treat everyone fairly and equally.' Caroline Dinenage, the Conservative MP who chairs the Culture, Media and Sport Committee, told Deadline that the allegations about Frediani are 'deeply disappointing and frustrating,' and part of a 'conveyor belt of unacceptable behaviour at the BBC.' On the FOI figures about upheld grievances, she added: 'The lack of disciplinary action being taken gives a worrying impression that the corporation is failing to treat the issue with the seriousness it deserves.' Sources said it was inconceivable that BBC News bosses were not aware of the complaints against Frediani before handing him increased power last year. Frediani reports to John McAndrew, director of news programmes and a key lieutenant of Deborah Turness, the former NBC News executive who serves as BBC News CEO. The BBC refused to answer questions about whether Turness, who sits on the BBC board, was aware of the concerns. Although removed from day-to-day operations in London and somewhat out of the view of senior leaders, Frediani is a major presence on daily editorial calls. He has transformed Breakfast into an engine room of news, delivering scoops on Captain Tom Moore's pandemic heroics and Manchester United player Marcus Rashford's fight for free school meals, the latter of which won a Royal Television Society award. 'He's a workaholic and a very good journalist,' said one admirer. Workplace Culture Review Deadline's revelations about Frediani come at a time when the BBC is facing scrutiny over workplace misconduct. In recent weeks, the corporation has published two reviews into the historical behavior of presenters Russell Brand and Tim Westwood, both of which revealed failings in BBC processes around complaints handling. Brand and Westwood deny wrongdoing. During the Culture, Media and Sport Committee hearing this week, BBC boss Davie pointed to improvements in recent years, but said that the corporation must get to a place where it can 'flawlessly' say it does not accept power abuses in the workplace. During the same hearing, BBC Chair Samir Shah stressed: 'There are powerful people behind the scenes … they don't have a right to abuse. No one is untouchable. No one is bigger than the BBC.' The BBC will consider further changes to complaints processes as part of a workplace culture review currently being conducted by management consultancy Change Associates. Multiple sources told Deadline that Frediani's conduct has been raised in interviews with Change Associates representatives. The BBC is expected to publish the review in April. Dinenage, the lawmaker who chairs the Culture, Media and Sport Committee, said: 'We heard warm words from chair Samir Shah this week that he wants the BBC to be taking the lead when it comes to setting behaviour standards in the media. The BBC's response to the forthcoming independent review into workplace culture will be an opportunity to demonstrate what concrete actions he and the BBC will take to root out bad behaviour, be it behind or in front of the camera.' Best of Deadline 2025 TV Series Renewals: Photo Gallery 2025 Awards Season Calendar: Dates For Tonys, Emmys & More 2025 TV Cancellations: Photo Gallery
