Latest news with #GrahameRussell
Daily Record
29-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
'Untouchable' BBC star slammed for 'exceptionally inappropriate language' in new bombshell report
The BBC has promised to clamp down on the badly behaved "untouchables" colleagues still operating within its ranks. In a bombshell report, launched in the wake of the uproar over disgraced former BBC News At Ten presenter Huw Edwards , the findings state that there is a 'a minority of people' within the company whose bad behaviour 'is not addressed'. The damning review pointed to one particular "untouchable" who was "called out for exceptionally inappropriate language." It states how a 'senior manager was in the room" but was "perceived as deferring so as not to rock the boat". Staff on the show in question were left furious. One person working on the programme said: "Staff were impacted … there should have been zero tolerance and no nuance". The review adds that staff had heard of "examples of well-known names not being held to account for poor behaviour. Some names were repeated several times, others more infrequently." The review, from Change Associates and led by management consultant Grahame Russell, also criticised BBC bosses for not nipping bad behaviour in the bud, the Mirror reports. It says: 'We heard examples of on-air/on-screen presenters who are seen to be 'difficult' and who are 'manmarked' by BBC managers. The managers are aware of the presenters' reputations and want to act as a buffer - to be on hand and provide feedback and reassurance in real-time. This is very different to addressing poor behaviour in the first place.' Speaking of the badly-behaved stars in question, the report adds: 'Even though they are small in number, their behaviour creates large ripples which negatively impact the BBC's culture and external reputation.' Despite this, it concluded that there wasn't a 'toxic' culture at the BBC. However it wasn't just in front of the cameras that problems existed with the report stating there were also 'untouchables who work behind the camera or microphone.' It continues: 'The perception was that senior management would turn an eye to poor behaviours when productions were award-winning or attracting large audiences.' The report also hears from some of the on-air stars themselves, who claimed there was a culture where BBC staff often pandered to them. One A-lister 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. 'I can call Tim [Davie, director general] right now, tell him about our conversation.' The report questions whether producers can really 'talk straight' with the talent due to the power imbalance. There were also question marks over who 'manages these names". The report says: 'We hear that this is exceptionally ambiguous – often people are appointed to shows or programmes by people very senior in the BBC hierarchy, with little involvement from the team on the programme until it's a done deal. This leads to ambiguity about who really has the power to speak truth if something goes wrong.' Yesterday, BBC Chair Dr Samir Shah vowed to crack down on the badly behaved names who are still operating within the Corporation. He told staff: '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.' Addressing the worst offenders directly, he said: 'If you think you're too big a star or too important to live by the values of this organisation, then not only are you wrong, but we will find you out.' It comes as the BBC has launched a refreshed code of conduct, with specific guidance for on-air stars, and also introduced the rollout of a new Call It Out campaign, where staff can challenge poor conduct. Additionally, they will launch a resolving concerns helpline, introduce in-person inductions for all new joiners and conduct regular, targeted culture checks. Shah revealed that his first year at the head of the corporation had shown him a 'different side' and one he 'wasn't expecting', as he addressed a staff event at London's Broadcasting House. He added: 'The report makes several recommendations that prioritise action over procedural change - and that is exactly right. 'It also addresses some deep-seated issues: for example, the need to make sure everyone can feel confident and not cowed about speaking up.' The report stated there was evidence that both Jewish and Muslim staff members and freelancers are in fear 'of speaking up, raising issues and being themselves at work". It said: 'Given the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, this has been exacerbated, as they feel concerns have not been heard or acted on". The BBC has been hit by a series of damaging allegations about BBC presenters in the last year alone. In January, the BBC apologised to staff who felt they could not speak up regarding concerns about Russell Brand's behaviour because he was seen as 'too influential'. Meanwhile, Jermaine Jenas, who presented The One Show, was fired last summer following complains about his workplace conduct. MasterChef's Greg Wallace has also stepped down from the show while Giovanni Pernice and Graziano Di Prima were forced to leave Strictly Come Dancing. Di Prima was let go from the show after he was accused of kicking Zara McDermott while Pernice was accused of bullying Amanda Abbington. The BBC upheld some complaints against Pernice but ended up clearing him of the most serious allegations. BBC director-general Tim Davie welcomed the findings. He said: 'This report represents an important moment for the BBC and the wider industry. 'It provides clear, practical recommendations that we are committed to implementing at pace. I'm grateful to everyone who took part and contributed.' Meanwhile culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said the government considers it 'a moral imperative' that the BBC implement a plan of action 'without delay'. She said: 'There is no place for abuse or harassment in any workplace, and BBC staff alongside the public rightly expect the very highest standards from their national broadcaster." Huw Edwards was suspended on full pay in July 2023 regarding payments he made to an unnamed young person in exchange for explicit photographs. He stepped down six months later amid calls for him to repay his salary from the period. Others have since come forward to report messages of a sexual or bullying nature. The BBC review included statements from around 2,500 employees and freelancers, with representations from across the UK and 19 other countries around the globe.
Daily Mirror
28-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
BBC star dubbed 'untouchable' slammed for 'exceptionally inappropriate language'
A report into badly-behaving stars at the BBC has shed light on an extraordinary incident involving one of their A-list stars, and how senior managers failed to act accordingly The BBC has vowed to crack down on the badly behaved 'untouchables' still operating within its ranks. An explosive report, launched in the wake of the furore over disgraced former newsreader Huw Edwards, says there is 'a minority of people' whose bad behaviour 'is not addressed'. And the damning review pointed to one example of an 'untouchable…..called out for exceptionally inappropriate language.' It says how a 'senior manager was in the room" but was "perceived as deferring so as not to rock the boat." Staff on the show in question were left furious. 'Staff were impacted … there should have been zero tolerance and no nuance,' said one person working on the programme. The review says how they heard of 'examples of well-known names not being held to account for poor behaviour. Some names were repeated several times, others more infrequently.' The review, from Change Associates and led by management consultant Grahame Russell, also slammed BBC bosses for not nipping bad behaviour in the bud. It says: 'We heard examples of on-air / on-screen presenters who are seen to be 'difficult' and who are 'manmarked' by BBC managers. The managers are aware of the presenters' reputations and want to act as a buffer - to be on hand and provide feedback and reassurance in real-time. This is very different to addressing poor behaviour in the first place.' The report adds of the badly-behaved stars in general: 'Even though they are small in number, their behaviour creates large ripples which negatively impact the BBC's culture and external reputation.' It concluded however that there wasn't a 'toxic' culture at the BBC. READ MORE: BBC halts Pilgrimage filming as Jay McGuiness breaks down in tears after question However it wasn't just in front of the cameras that problems existed with the report stating there were also 'untouchables who work behind the camera or microphone.' It adds: 'The perception was that senior management would turn an eye to poor behaviours when productions were award-winning or attracting large audiences.' The report also hears from some of the on-air stars themselves, who told how there was a culture where BBC staff often pandered to them. One A-lister 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.' 'I can call Tim [Davie, director general] right now, tell him about our conversation.' The report questions whether producers can really 'talk straight' with the talent due to the power imbalance. There were also question marks over who 'manages these names.' The report says: 'We hear that this is exceptionally ambiguous – often people are appointed to shows or programmes by people very senior in the BBC hierarchy, with little involvement from the team on the programme until it's a done deal. This leads to ambiguity about who really has the power to speak truth if something goes wrong.' BBC Chair Dr Samir Shah yesterday vowed to crack down on the badly behaved names operating within the Corporation. He told staff: '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.' Addressing the worst offenders directly, he said: 'If you think you're too big a star or too important to live by the values of this organisation, then not only are you wrong, but we will find you out.' The BBC has launched a refreshed code of conduct, with specific guidance for on-air presenters, and started the rollout of a new Call It Out campaign, where staff can challenge poor conduct. They will also launch a resolving concerns helpline, introduce in-person inductions for all new joiners and conduct regular, targeted culture checks. Shah said his first year in the position at the corporation had shown him a 'different side' and one he 'wasn't expecting', as he addressed a staff event at London's Broadcasting House He added: 'The report makes several recommendations that prioritise action over procedural change - and that is exactly right. 'It also addresses some deep-seated issues: for example, the need to make sure everyone can feel confident and not cowed about speaking up.' The report said there was evidence that both Jewish and Muslim staff members and freelancers are in fear 'of speaking up, raising issues and being themselves at work'. 'Given the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, this has been exacerbated, as they feel concerns have not been heard or acted on,' it said. The BBC has been rocked by a string of allegations about BBC presenters in the last year alone. In January, the BBC apologised to staff who felt they could not speak up with concerns about Russell Brand 's behaviour because he was seen as 'too influential' Jermaine Jenas, who presented The One Show, was fired last summer following complaints about workplace conduct. Gregg Wallace stepped aside as Masterchef co-host, while Giovanni Pernice and Graziano Di Prima were forced to leave Strictly Come Dancing. Di Prima was sacked after being accused of kicking Zara McDermott, while Pernice was accused of bullying Amanda Abbington. The BBC upheld some of complaints against Pernice, but cleared him of the most serious allegations. BBC director-general Tim Davie welcomed the findings. He said: 'This report represents an important moment for the BBC and the wider industry. 'It provides clear, practical recommendations that we are committed to implementing at pace. I'm grateful to everyone who took part and contributed.' Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said the Government considers it 'a moral imperative' that the BBC implement a plan of action 'without delay'. 'There is no place for abuse or harassment in any workplace, and BBC staff alongside the public rightly expect the very highest standards from their national broadcaster,' she said. Edwards was suspended on full pay in July 2023 over payments to an unnamed young person for explicit photographs. He resigned six months later amid calls for him to repay his salary from the period. Others have since come forward to complain about messages of a sexual or bullying nature. The review heard from around 2,500 employees and freelancers, with representations from across the UK and 19 different countries around the world.
Rhyl Journal
28-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Rhyl Journal
BBC review finds ‘no toxic culture' but ‘minority who behave unacceptably'
The review, from Change Associates and led by management consultant Grahame Russell, was launched in the wake of the furore over disgraced former newsreader Huw Edwards. The report said: 'They are often in positions where power could be abused. 'Even though they are small in number, their behaviour creates large ripples which negatively impact the BBC's culture and external reputation.' Edwards faced allegations that he paid a young person for sexually explicit images in 2023 and there was further scandal in 2024 when he was handed a suspended prison sentence after pleading guilty to three charges of 'making' indecent photographs of children. The report said the BBC needs to set 'clear expectations around behaviours' as it should be the 'gold standard for the industry'. 'Some of those who exhibit unacceptable behaviour continue to thrive, and in some cases are promoted, whilst live investigations are ongoing, or grievances against them are upheld,' it said. The corporation was informed that Edwards had been arrested in November 2023 but continued to employ the veteran broadcaster until April 2024, when he resigned on medical advice. A statement from the corporation last year said if Edwards had 'been up front when asked by the BBC about his arrest, we would never have continued to pay him public money' and added he had 'undermined trust in the BBC and brought us into disrepute'. The review was announced in 2024 after several controversies involving high-profile presenters rocked the corporation, including the sacking of Jermaine Jenas from The One Show after he admitted to sending inappropriate messages to female colleagues. 'Most people who are on-air/on-screen are seen as good to work with and respectful,' the report said, but added: 'As expected, we also heard of examples of well-known names not being held to account for poor behaviour.' Further to the recommendations, the BBC has launched a refreshed code of conduct, with specific guidance for on-air presenters, and started the rollout of a new Call It Out campaign, where staff can challenge poor conduct. The BBC will also launch a resolving concerns helpline, introduce in-person inductions for all new joiners and conduct regular, targeted culture checks. BBC chairman Samir Shah said his first year in the position at the corporation had shown him a 'different side' and one he 'wasn't expecting', as he addressed a staff event at London's Broadcasting House as the review into workplace culture was published. He said: '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. 'The report makes several recommendations that prioritise action over procedural change – and that is exactly right. 'It also addresses some deep-seated issues: for example, the need to make sure everyone can feel confident and not cowed about speaking up.' The report said there was evidence that both Jewish and Muslim staff members and freelancers are in fear 'of speaking up, raising issues and being themselves at work'. 'Given the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, this has been exacerbated, as they feel concerns have not been heard or acted on,' it said. BBC director-general Tim Davie said: 'This report represents an important moment for the BBC and the wider industry. 'It provides clear, practical recommendations that we are committed to implementing at pace. 'I'm grateful to everyone who took part and contributed.' Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said the Government considers it 'a moral imperative' that the BBC implement a plan of action 'without delay'. 'There is no place for abuse or harassment in any workplace, and BBC staff alongside the public rightly expect the very highest standards from their national broadcaster,' she said. Philippa Childs, the head of broadcasting union Bectu, said she welcomed the BBC Board's acceptance of the recommendations and said that 'repeated and historical scandals involving senior talent at the BBC exposed an organisation in need of a full rethink of its culture'. She added that Bectu's research from May last year showed that 'high-profile cases have done little to shift the dial on the industry's bullying and harassment problem'. The review heard from around 2,500 employees and freelancers, with representations from across the UK and 19 different countries around the world.
Yahoo
28-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
BBC Review Finds No 'Toxic Culture' But 'Minority of People Whose Behavior Is Simply Not Acceptable'
A BBC review has found no evidence of a 'toxic culture' but a 'minority of people whose behavior is simply not acceptable,' the U.K. public broadcaster said on Monday. It vowed to 'take immediate action to improve workplace culture' after publishing the comprehensive independent report that its board had commissioned amid allegations of bullying. The review and report from Change Associates, led by executive chairman and founder Grahame Russell, 'found no evidence of a toxic culture, but in a series of detailed findings and recommendations, it highlighted key areas for improvement,' the broadcaster said. More from The Hollywood Reporter Mike Myers Explains Origins of Recent Canadian Political Activism Luis Ortega on His 'Kill the Jockey' Follow-Up, U.S. Politics and Madrid's Platino Awards: Nobody "Gives a F***, People Don't Like Reading Subtitles" Lilja Ingolfsdottir's 'Loveable' Wins Four Awards, Including for Best Film, as Beijing Fest Closes on a Musical Note The report also found that 'the majority of people who work for the BBC are proud to do so and describe loving their jobs,' it said. 'Some staff, however, thought there [was] a minority of people at the BBC – both on and off-air – who were able to behave unacceptably without it being addressed.' Concluded the report: 'Even though they are small in number, their behavior creates large ripples which negatively impact the BBC's culture and external reputation.' The BBC board and management have fully accepted the report and its findings, with both calling it 'a catalyst for meaningful change.' 'There is a minority of people whose behavior 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,' said BBC chair Samir Shah. 'The report makes several recommendations that prioritize action over procedural change – which is exactly right. It also addresses some deep-seated issues: for example, the need to make sure everyone can feel confident and not cowed about speaking up.' He concluded: '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.' BBC director-general Tim Davie said that the report 'represents an important moment for the BBC and the wider industry. It provides clear, practical recommendations that we are committed to implementing at pace.' He added: 'The action we are taking today is designed to change the experience of what it is to be at the BBC for everyone and to ensure the values we all sign up to when we arrive here – the values that, for most of us, are what made us want to come to the BBC in the first place – are lived and championed by the whole organization each and every day.' The BBC said its immediate actions include launching 'a refreshed and strengthened' Code of Conduct, with specific guidance for on-air presenters; implementing 'a more robust' disciplinary policy, with updated examples of misconduct and clear consequences; requiring all TV production partners to meet Creative Industries Independent Standards Authority (CIISA) industry standards; rolling out a new 'Call It Out' campaign to 'promote positive behavior, empower informal resolution where appropriate, and challenge poor conduct;' and introducing clear pledges for anyone raising concerns and setting out what they can expect from the BBC. The review also came up with other recommendations, including investment in leadership and HR capabilities, such as defining the leadership skills the BBC values most and ensuring they are being embedded at all levels; enhancing succession planning to 'create more transparent and inclusive processes for identifying and preparing all talent, particularly in on-air roles;' and establishing a dedicated and independent Response Team 'to rebuild trust and confidence in how issues are raised, addressed and anonymously reported. ' Best of The Hollywood Reporter 22 of the Most Shocking Character Deaths in Television History A 'Star Wars' Timeline: All the Movies and TV Shows in the Franchise 'Yellowstone' and the Sprawling Dutton Family Tree, Explained
Daily Mirror
28-04-2025
- Business
- Daily Mirror
BBC vows to take 'immediate action' to improve workplace culture
A BBC Workplace Culture review has been published today - the corporation vowing to take 'immediate action' to change things. The BBC has said it will take immediate action to improve workplace culture, after publishing a comprehensive independent report. The report from Change Associates, led by Executive Chairman and Founder Grahame Russell, found no evidence of a toxic culture, but in a series of detailed findings and recommendations it highlighted key areas for improvement. The review heard from around 2,500 employees and freelancers; through one-to-one meetings, group discussions, a survey and written submissions. The review was commissioned by the BBC Board in August 2024, with work beginning in October. Harrods coffee backed by Deborah Meaden and Sara Davies now 20% off 'Even though they are small in number, their behaviour creates large ripples which negatively impact the BBC's culture and external reputation,' the report concludes. The BBC Board has fully accepted the report and its findings, as has BBC management. Both view it as a catalyst for meaningful change - to reinforce expectations around behaviour and act more decisively when standards are not met. BBC Chair Dr Shah told staff today: '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. 'The report makes several recommendations that prioritise action over procedural change – which is exactly right. It also addresses some deep-seated issues: for example, the need to make sure everyone can feel confident and not cowed about speaking up. 'I support the idea that we need to reinforce the behavioural expectations and standards we have for everyone who works with or for the BBC.' He 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.' Director-General Tim Davie said: "This report represents an important moment for the BBC and the wider industry. It provides clear, practical recommendations that we are committed to implementing at pace. I'm grateful to everyone who took part and contributed. 'The action we are taking today is designed to change the experience of what it is to be at the BBC for everyone and to ensure the values we all sign up to when we arrive here – the values that, for most of us, are what made us want to come to the BBC in the first place – are lived and championed by the whole organisation each and every day.' The corporation are taking action by launching a refreshed and strengthened Code of Conduct, implementing a more robust Disciplinary Policy and requiring all TV production partners to meet Creative Industries Independent Standards Authority standards. They're also rolling out a new 'Call It Out' campaign which aims to challenge poor conduct and introducing clear pledges for anyone raising concerns. The BBC also have a long-term plan for changes, including changing how they manage concerns and cases, conducting regular culture checks, expanding HR support and more.
