BBC chief says TV lags other industries on workplace power abuse

BBC director-general Matt Brittin says the entertainment and media industry is behind other industries when it comes to standards for tackling abuse of workplace power. He made the point at an internal BBC town hall on Thursday, a staff meeting that the broadcaster's top executive attended to answer questions, as Deadline reported.

Brittin, a former Google executive, faced pointed questions from staff. Some challenged him over a culture of "reverence" toward on-screen stars, the idea that well-known performers are treated with unusual deference. The most-upvoted question from staff named Russell Brand, Gregg Wallace and David Walliams. It asked how the BBC can protect people now, rather than apologise in 15 years' time.

Brand was convicted of rape and sexual assault. Brittin described allegations of predatory behaviour against Walliams, which ITV News and The Guardian have reported, as "unproven". Walliams has strongly denied wrongdoing.

Brittin also said decisions about talent at the BBC can be "subjective". He called on the corporation to be more open about how it handles complaints. A workplace culture review carried out last year found that a minority of employees were able to behave unacceptably without it being dealt with.

He did point to progress. According to Brittin, the BBC is resolving complaints more quickly, and more staff now feel able to speak up about concerns.

The row has also reached government. UK Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy has convened an emergency meeting about safety across the industry, to be held next week.

For staff, the questions at the town hall come down to a simple test. Concerns get raised, they get handled, and people feel safe raising the next one.