BBC ‘Red Nose Day’ Showrunner Urges Crew To “Make A Fuss” About Misconduct In Leaked Audio
17.03.2023 - 11:39
/ deadline.com
EXCLUSIVE: The Red Nose Day showrunner has urged crew on the iconic BBC charity telethon to “make a fuss” about misconduct as part of BBC Studios’ efforts to pre-empt inappropriate behavior on its shows.
Deadline has obtained audio of Peter Davey delivering what has become known as “the pledge” to gathered crew and presenters on Thursday morning. Listen to an excerpt below.
The idea, first introduced last August, is that the pledge is read out at the start of each BBC Studios production to encourage respectful and inclusive behavior, and make clear that wrongdoing should be reported.
There is no suggestion of any concerns relating to Red Nose Day, but sources said they felt reassured by Davey’s address ahead of the show going live on BBC1 on Friday night. The program raises money for Comic Relief, the charity founded by Love Actually director Richard Curtis.
“We’ve got a very important message to set the tone and the values of the production,” Davey said. “It’s a pledge from us the senior team to make sure everyone is properly looked after.”
Davey then proceeded to read the pledge in full: “We want BBC Studios to be a safe place for every person that works here. At all times, we expect everyone, whoever they are, to behave in a respectful and inclusive way.
“Every individual should be treated equally regardless of their age, disability, sexuality, gender, race, religion or belief, marital or employment status. At the BBC, we expect everyone to read and adhere to our code of conduct.”
He said senior producers were committed to creating a culture of “inclusion and respect,” and that colleagues who raise concerns will be “fully supported” and their complaints will be “followed up in a timely and satisfactory manner.”
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