Latest news with #JohnBalson
Yahoo
12-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Channel 4 & Alaska TV 'Discharged Duty Of Care' To John Balson Before Producer Took His Own Life
Editor's note: this article includes mention of suicide and other topics that some readers may find upsetting. Channel 4 and production company Alaska TV 'discharged their respective duties of care' before producer John Balson took his own life, an independent review has concluded. More from Deadline Ben Wheatley's 'Generation Z' Axed By Channel 4 After One Season 'Leaving Neverland 2' Trailer: Sequel Follows James Safechuck & Wade Robson's Fight For Justice After Accusing Michael Jackson Of Sexual Assault 'Leaving Neverland 2: Surviving Michael Jackson' To Premiere On Real Stories YouTube Channel In U.S. Balson, a true crime TV producer, died by suicide last May shortly after working with Alaska on Channel 4 series In The Footsteps of Killers. In the final few weeks of his life, he raised concerns about 'work-related stress' to family members and health professionals. Channel 4 engaged Reynolds Porter Chamberlain (RPC) to conduct a review last summer and the law firm has now delivered its findings. Channel 4 stopped short of publishing the report, citing privacy concerns. The UK broadcaster has instead shared a summary of RPC's findings with the media. The summary declared that Channel 4 and Alaska responded 'reasonably and appropriately' to the information available to them in the period before Balson's death, but the press notice did not address specific issues raised by Balson's family. The family has been contacted for comment. According to his wife, Yumeno Niimura, Balson felt he was blamed by the In The Footsteps of Killers production for a family declining to take part in the show. Balson also alleged that he received threats from someone associated with a person he was researching. Furthermore, Niimura said the producer was exhausted, leading to intense physical symptoms associated with vestibular migraine disorder, and a deterioration in his mental health. Niimura told us Balson's death was a 'failure of the industry.' She said Balson had told her that small production companies have 'unrealistically low budgets,' and 'often force extra work and unrealistic assignments on freelancers.' It is not clear if Channel 4 made RPC's full findings available to Balson's family, but details were shared during a meeting. Balson's family has been clear about wanting an open discussion about the circumstances of his death and potential industry failings. RPC reached its conclusions 'after a thorough examination – including interviews with relevant individuals, the review of a substantial volume of emails, WhatsApp and text messages, and the analysis of key documentation relating to the production and provided by John Balson's family,' according to Channel 4's summary. 'The investigation team also commented on how the profound tragedy of John's death has deeply affected all those spoken to during the investigation,' it added. A Channel 4 spokeswoman said In The Footsteps Of Killers will now air over the summer. Now into its third season, the show sees hosts Emilia Fox and David Wilson investigate famous cold cases. Channel 4 said it has taken on all of RPC's recommendations, which are that 'production companies should ensure timely compilation and circulation of mental health resources,' should 'consider additional ways to encourage dialogue and transparency regarding mental health matters,' 'consider adopting additional monitoring and oversight of freelancer working hours' and 'consider introducing a documented Flexible Working Policy.' The recommendations suggest that, had these policies been in place prior to Balson's death, it could have improved his working conditions. 'Additional budgetary provision' Furthermore, Channel 4 said it will bring in extra welfare measures that will include a new Code of Behaviours for Suppliers, which the spokeswoman said was being drawn up prior to Balson's death. Indies will also be asked to assess the nature and subject matter of a production. If concerning, Channel 4 will offer psychological support and resources. 'Channel 4 will consider additional budgetary provision, where necessary, to ensure the specific needs of production staff are properly supported,' said the statement. Content boss Ian Katz said at last summer's Edinburgh TV Festival that the channel was mulling how it could roll out the protections it has introduced for journalists reporting on the Israel-Gaza conflict to the true crime genre. Channel 4 will also 'introduce formalised mid-production discussions with all production companies to support them in addressing production staff wellbeing,' added the press notice, along with conducting regular anonymous surveys. Katz said today that the tragedy has 'made it clear that more must be done to better support freelancers in the industry and we need a more robust picture of the demands being made of them.' 'John's case has highlighted the pressures that freelancers can face in our industry and their fear of losing out on future work if they speak openly about their working conditions,' he added. 'In particular, we want to make it easier for them to speak frankly about their working conditions and the demands being made of them. And we welcome an ongoing conversation about how best we can continue to support them in the future. We share and support the ambition of John Balson's family that positive change can be made as a result of John's death, and we will continue to work – independently and with industry partners through initiatives such as [new body] Action for Freelancers – on approaches to help make this happen.' An inquest into Balson's death last month found that he had told numerous health professionals he was having suicidal thoughts and flagged 'work-related stress' on several occasions to them in the weeks leading up to his death. At the time, Balson's family said they 'felt let down by the system.' In a statement, Philippa Childs, head of the Bectu union, said: 'John Balson's death is a profound tragedy, and we know today's announcement from Channel 4 will make for very difficult reading for his family, friends and many across the industry. 'No one should have to suffer in silence and we welcome Channel 4's commitment to taking practical steps to encourage people to talk more openly about worker mental health. RPC's recommendations to production companies and Channel 4 regarding better monitoring freelancers' working hours, improving mental health support, and engaging with bodies like Bectu on working conditions, will all be critical to ensuring that the review's findings result in real and sustained change. 'The physical and mental health risks of many elements of working in film and TV, including long hours, tight production schedules and exposure to distressing material, are well documented. We will be holding Channel 4 and the wider industry to account on meaningful and continued engagement on these and other factors that impact freelancers' wellbeing. 'This is critical to uphold both the wishes of John and of his family that positive change come from his tragic death, and to truly drive progress in creating a healthier industry for everyone who works in it.' Best of Deadline All The Songs In 'Severance' Season 2: From The Who To Ella Fitzgerald 10 Brand New Emmy-Eligible Shows Coming This Spring 2025 TV Series Renewals: Photo Gallery
Yahoo
21-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
John Balson Inquest: TV Producer Told Numerous Health Professionals He Was Considering Suicide & Had Suffered From 'Work-Related Stress' In Weeks Leading Up To His Death
Trigger warning: this article includes mention of suicide and other topics that readers may find disturbing. John Balson, the TV producer who tragically took his own life last May, told numerous health professionals he was having suicidal thoughts and flagged 'work-related stress' on several occasions to them in the weeks leading up to his death. More from Deadline 'Leaving Neverland' Sequel Sets Premiere Date; Bombshell Michael Jackson Documentary Back In March - But Without HBO Netflix Making Version Of Hit YouTube Format 'Blue Therapy' 'The Traitors' Team Combining On Mystery Format Set In Country Estate For Channel 4 This evidence was delivered at Balson's inquest, which took place yesterday nearly a year after he took his own life on May 17 after jumping off the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge. In the months leading up to his death, Balson had been working on Channel 4's In The Footsteps of Killers and Channel 4's investigation is still to report back. Balson, who was 40 when he died, had told family and health professionals he was suffering from stress, exhaustion and subsequently intense physical pain associated with vestibular migraine disorder. Yesterday at the inquest, which was attended by Balson's widow, mother and brothers, the coroner's court was told by several medical professionals that he had spoken in the weeks leading up to his death of having suicidal thoughts. On at least two occasions he spoke about jumping off a bridge – the final occasion just two days before he died. He was deemed by professionals to be at varying levels of risk of suicide during this time, the court heard. 'Despite all the consultations and medication prescribed, John decided to end his life,' said the coroner, Roger Hatch, summing up. 'I sadly conclude that his death was due to suicide.' Coroner's courts in the UK set out to answer four questions – who died, when and where did they die, and how did they come by their death – and do not apportion blame or place anyone on trial. The court heard from several medical professionals across a three-hour hearing, many of whom said Balson had discussed having suicidal ideations due to the physical discomfort he was experiencing, which he had described as intense physical pain in his head and chest along with constant dizziness. Questions were raised during the hearing over why he was not sectioned, referred for in-patient care or kept a closer eye on by medical professionals from around the middle of April onwards. On April 21, Balson was rated as 'high risk' by a doctor he was seeing after talking about self-harm and suicidal ideation, and the doctor told the coroner's court that Balson's mother felt she 'couldn't keep him safe' at the time. A day later, he visited Accident & Emergency (A&E) and was discharged without a psychological risk assessment despite being told he should be assessed. By May 15 – just two days before he died – he was describing feelings of 'helplessness and hopelessness' to doctors and had mentioned wanting to jump off a bridge although 'denied intent,' according to a doctor addressing the court. When a lawyer representing Balson's family yesterday asked this doctor why he was not referred for in-patient care, the doctor said she felt there was 'no immediate risk' and 'he did not intend to act on suicidal thoughts' due to his closeness to his family. 'I was convinced when he said he wanted to be with his family that these were protective factors [that would stop him from committing suicide],' the doctor added. Elsewhere, A mental health professional from a trust where he was being seen said Balson had been risk assessed for in-patient care in the weeks before his death, but Balson at that point had not wanted to be committed to in-patient care and the trust had respected his wishes. A report from that professional added that Balson's family felt they were 'not being allowed to express opinions' during these sessions. The local trust said it is investigating and will publish findings to avoid a repeat. Perhaps most alarming yesterday was the GP's report to the coroner. Three weeks before his death, the GP said Balson was 'saying he wanted to end it all' and had 'told A&E doctors that he wanted to jump off a bridge.' A counselor then reported to this GP that Balson was closer to acting on his suicidal thoughts and had said this was 'the last time he would speak to me,' implying he was considering ending his life. At that point the counselor felt the 'protective factors' of Balson's family were 'diminishing.' 'Work-related stress' During these final few weeks, Balson had stopped working. In The Footsteps of Killers producer Alaska TV has previously declined to comment on whether they were aware Balson was suffering at this time. It has said the wellbeing of its employees is of 'paramount importance,' but declines to comment further, citing Channel 4's ongoing investigation. Balson's heartwrenching final letter to his family was read out in court yesterday and included connections Balson made with overwork in TV production and his mental health issues – which we have previously reported – that then morphed into physical symptoms. In his note, Balson flagged the pressure of working on projects that felt like they were failing and said he had received threats from someone associated with a person he was researching. 'He felt the [physical] symptoms were brought on by work-related stress which he mentioned in a consultation,' said the GP's report. 'Suicidal ideation came as a result of the [physical] symptoms becoming unbearable. It was clear he had been making plans for a while.' The GP said Balson had 'expressed concerns over stress working on a documentary about pedophile cases,' while he told a different doctor that 'he shouldn't have done so much work as a documentary filmmaker.' The impact of this work had been compounded by the death of his brother when he was in his 20s, Balson had said. Understandably after a long day yesterday, Balson's family declined comment on the court proceedings. Balson's widow Yumeno Niimura has previously told us that his death 'is a failure of the industry.' Channel 4's report into Balson's death will publish in the coming weeks, we are told. There are still question marks over whether the show he was working on, In The Footsteps of Killers Season 3, will air. His death led to a great deal of introspection around the dangers of overwork in factual TV and this will no doubt continue long into 2025. A gofundme page has been set up for Balson's family and donations can be made here. Suicide is preventable and support can be found via the Samaritans, National Suicide Prevention Helpline and other organizations. The Film and TV Charity's Support Line is open 24 hours a day and is available to everyone working in the industry, whether freelance or employee. It provides in-the-moment help from trained counsellors, as well as access to other mental health support. Partners and adult children of people working in the industry are also able to access help. Call 0800 054 0000 or visit to start a Live Chat. In the U.S., a list of helplines can be found here and information on suicide prevention from the National Institute of Mental Health can be found here. 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