BBC Director General Tim Davie On Phillip Schofield Debate: “Imbalances Of Power Are Dangerous & We Care About Them”
13.06.2023 - 09:47
/ deadline.com
“Imbalances of power are dangerous and we care about them,” BBC Director General Tim Davie said today, as he was questioned on the Phillip Schofield debate and accusations of toxicity on This Morning.
Speaking to the influential Culture, Media & Sport Committee (CMSC), Davie acknowledged there are “imbalances” in the “strange TV industry, where you have people earning talent salaries verses producer salaries.”
“Your concerns are well placed,” he told Committee Chair Caroline Dinenage. “Imbalances of power are dangerous and we care about them. Culturally I am very direct about that not being something I want to see at this organization.”
Davie said he speaks from experience. As Acting Director General 10 years ago, he shepherded the BBC through the first few months of the Jimmy Savile scandal. More recently, he has appointed an independent KC to probe the conduct of former Radio 1 DJ Tim Westwood following accusations about misconduct taking place during Westwood’s time at the BBC.
Davie said processes to prevent power imbalances are “robust” and his leadership team “sends a clear signal,” adding: “We don’t just rely on good intent.”
According to David Jordan, the BBC’s Director of Editorial Policy and Standards, TV shows have guidelines that state “any personal or sexual relationships” between contributors or talent and those working behind the camera are “prohibited and will result in disciplinary procedures.” On many shows, execs are obliged to read out The Pledge on bullying and harassment prior to the cameras rolling.
“We have very specific processes in place and are keeping an eye on whether people adhere to these processes by making spot checks,” said Jordan.
Tomorrow, ITV CEO Carolyn McCall will appear in front