Bullying is a reality for 40 per cent of TV workers, says survey
Your support helps us to tell the story
This election is still a dead heat, according to most polls. In a fight with such wafer-thin margins, we need reporters on the ground talking to the people Trump and Harris are courting. Your support allows us to keep sending journalists to the story.
The Independent is trusted by 27 million Americans from across the entire political spectrum every month. Unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock you out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. But quality journalism must still be paid for.
Help us keep bring these critical stories to light. Your support makes all the difference.
Bullying in the television industry has become significantly worse over the past decade, with victims suffering long-term harassment, plagiarism of ideas and verbal abuse, a survey has found.
Almost 40 per cent of television workers have been victims of bullying, with 44 per cent of victims saying it began five or more years ago, determined the survey of more than 500 broadcasting professionals by the consultancy GfK.
More than half of victims (52 per cent) have been bullied by their managers, compared with just 4 per cent at the hands of on-screen talent. Many staff believe bullies prosper, being promoted despite their behaviour. The most common form of abuse is "tantrums, yelling and screaming", the survey found, suffered by 43 per cent, more than double the figure in other industries.
Just 5 per cent of victims choose to seek legal advice, and Lisa Campbell, the editor of Broadcast magazine, said: "Operating more like a cottage industry, TV's casualised workforce and lack of training provides a breeding ground for bullies.
"Temporary and mobile staff rarely exploit their limited rights because the worst thing you can be branded in TV is a trouble maker."
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments