Concerns have been raised about power imbalances at the BBC and the significant pay gap between production staff and star presenters.
However, it identified serious failings in how poor behaviour is addressed, particularly where power imbalances exist and high-profile individuals are involved.
On Monday, the BBC announced a series of reforms aimed at resetting workplace expectations and strengthening accountability.
These include an enhanced Code of Conduct with specific guidance for presenters, a dedicated hotline for raising complaints, and revised contracts for all new employees and freelancers to clearly define behavioural standards.
Legacy Culture and ‘Grey Areas’
The review highlighted how some long-serving staff, many of whom rose through the ranks over the past 20 to 30 years, continue to operate under outdated norms.
“They share stories of what used to be accepted—throwing furniture, drinking on the premises—and rightly comment how far things have come,” the document said.
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Feedback from around 2,500 employees and freelancers revealed calls for clearer guidelines on acceptable behaviour.
Several contributors expressed a desire for definitive “dos and don’ts,” particularly around distinguishing friendly banter from behaviour that’s “downright cruel or offensive.”
“We also need to accept that some people are more direct than others, we shouldn’t have to tread on eggshells when having work-related conversations. But we also need to be respectful,” another employee said.
Concerns were also raised about the BBC’s pay structure, particularly the stark disparity between producers and flagship presenters.
“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?” said an employee.
The review recommended routine check-ins after stressful assignments, to address concerns before they escalate.
Power Imbalance and ‘Untouchable’ Talent
A recurring theme was the perception that high-profile presenters—often referred to as “talent”—are treated differently.
While many on-air figures were praised for professionalism, the review cited repeated instances where prominent individuals were not held accountable for behaviour deemed unacceptable from other staff.
One incident involved a well-known presenter using exceptionally inappropriate language in front of colleagues. Although a senior manager was present, staff perceived their response—issuing a warning and allowing production to continue—as insufficient.
“That makes it worse!! Staff were impacted … there should have been zero tolerance and no nuance,” said one observer.
Staff also expressed concerns about the vast pay gap between production teams and star presenters, which they believe further disempowers junior colleagues from speaking up.
Scandals and Response
The review comes in the wake of several damaging scandals for the BBC, most notably when former presenter Huw Edwards pleaded guilty to offences relating to child abuse images.
Edwards was arrested on Nov. 8, 2023, and formally charged on June 26, 2024. He had previously been suspended in July 2023 over separate allegations involving payments to a young person for sexually explicit images.
The case intensified scrutiny over how the broadcaster handles complaints and monitors the behaviour of high-profile staff.
Other incidents in recent years have exposed weaknesses in complaint procedures, with staff describing the current process as “traumatising,” overly bureaucratic, and lacking in communication.
He added there is “no place” at the BBC for those who “abuse power or punch down or behave badly.”
The strengthened Code of Conduct will include specific guidance for on-air presenters, while a new “Call It Out” campaign is meant to challenge poor conduct.
BBC Director-General Tim Davie said the announced measures will “change the experience of what it is to be at the BBC for everyone.”