BBC Review Finds No 'Toxic Culture' But 'Minority of People Whose Behavior Is Simply Not Acceptable'
The review and report from Change Associates, led by executive chairman and founder Grahame Russell, 'found no evidence of a toxic culture, but in a series of detailed findings and recommendations, it highlighted key areas for improvement,' the broadcaster said.
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The report also found that 'the majority of people who work for the BBC are proud to do so and describe loving their jobs,' it said. 'Some staff, however, thought there [was] a minority of people at the BBC – both on and off-air – who were able to behave unacceptably without it being addressed.'
Concluded the report: 'Even though they are small in number, their behavior creates large ripples which negatively impact the BBC's culture and external reputation.'
The BBC board and management have fully accepted the report and its findings, with both calling it 'a catalyst for meaningful change.'
'There is a minority of people whose behavior is simply not acceptable. And there are still places where powerful individuals – on and off screen – can abuse that power to make life for their colleagues unbearable,' said BBC chair Samir Shah. 'The report makes several recommendations that prioritize action over procedural change – which is exactly right. It also addresses some deep-seated issues: for example, the need to make sure everyone can feel confident and not cowed about speaking up.'
He concluded: 'In the end, it's quite simple: if you are a person who is prepared to abuse power or punch down or behave badly, there is no place for you at the BBC.'
BBC director-general Tim Davie said that the report 'represents an important moment for the BBC and the wider industry. It provides clear, practical recommendations that we are committed to implementing at pace.'
He added: 'The action we are taking today is designed to change the experience of what it is to be at the BBC for everyone and to ensure the values we all sign up to when we arrive here – the values that, for most of us, are what made us want to come to the BBC in the first place – are lived and championed by the whole organization each and every day.'
The BBC said its immediate actions include launching 'a refreshed and strengthened' Code of Conduct, with specific guidance for on-air presenters; implementing 'a more robust' disciplinary policy, with updated examples of misconduct and clear consequences; requiring all TV production partners to meet Creative Industries Independent Standards Authority (CIISA) industry standards; rolling out a new 'Call It Out' campaign to 'promote positive behavior, empower informal resolution where appropriate, and challenge poor conduct;' and introducing clear pledges for anyone raising concerns and setting out what they can expect from the BBC.
The review also came up with other recommendations, including investment in leadership and HR capabilities, such as defining the leadership skills the BBC values most and ensuring they are being embedded at all levels; enhancing succession planning to 'create more transparent and inclusive processes for identifying and preparing all talent, particularly in on-air roles;' and establishing a dedicated and independent Response Team 'to rebuild trust and confidence in how issues are raised, addressed and anonymously reported. '
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Buzz Feed
8 hours ago
- Buzz Feed
Obscure Old TV Shows No One Remembers
Recently, I rounded up some forgotten '90s TV shows, and there were some hidden gems in there! In the comments, BuzzFeed Community members of all ages shared obscure series from their childhoods. Here are 50 of their top responses: "Thirtysomething. Huge hit in the late '80s/early '90s. Literally so forgotten it isn't even streaming anywhere. Maybe it has something to do with the fact that it's about young boomers who have huge houses, kids, and high-paying jobs, and yet do nothing but complain about middle age and how they have to sell out to succeed. I doubt a single person could relate to it today. It was also kinda sexist. The women who were well-adjusted were the stay-at-home moms, and the independent working women had all the psychological issues." —colleend9 "Black Hole High (or if you were in the States, like me, it was Strange Days at Blake Holsey High). It was about a group of science-loving kids at a Canadian boarding school with a wormhole under their school, and they have to figure out what the local evil guy (and dad of one of the kids) wants with it. It has a surprisingly complex myth arc for a children's show, and a good twist near the end. I loved that show. It's streaming on a few different platforms in the US, including Prime." —lobster_lemon_lime "It appears that no one remembers Girlfriends. I always wanted to get Converse because of Persia White's character." —alice_follows_the_white_rabbit "Bosom Buddies had Tom Hanks and Peter Scolari. I can't recall why, but the aforementioned actors disguised themselves as women." [Note: The two male leads disguised themselves so they could live in an affordable female-only apartment building.] —pissedoffprofessor "What I Like About You. 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Newsweek
18 hours ago
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WWE's Chelsea Green Says She Received Death Threats After Hulk Hogan Tribute
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Chelsea Green is stepping away from social media after receiving death threats in response to her tribute to Hulk Hogan, the late wrestling icon whose legacy remains deeply polarising. The Canadian WWE star said the backlash to her comments—made during a televised segment and later reiterated online—quickly escalated into harassment, forcing her to take a break from social media for her mental well-being. Newsweek contacted WWE via email for comment on Sunday outside of usual working hours. WWE's Chelsea Green announces a Seattle Seahawks pick during the third day of the 2025 NFL Draft in Green Bay, Wisconsin, on April 26, 2025. WWE's Chelsea Green announces a Seattle Seahawks pick during the third day of the 2025 NFL Draft in Green Bay, Wisconsin, on April 26, It Matters Green said she is stepping back from social media following "the name calling, the death threats, the faceless accounts" in response to her remarks about Hogan. The controversy began after Green, 34, appeared on CBS News 24/7 on Thursday, shortly after news broke of WWE legend Hogan's death, on July 24, 2025, at age 71. In the live interview, she praised his legacy and reflected on her positive personal experiences with him, while briefly noting his "polarising political views." Hogan had been a vocal supporter of President Donald Trump prior to his death. As reported by Wrestling News, her remarks, along with the now-deleted social media post, drew criticism from some fans who felt she downplayed the more controversial parts of Hogan's history, including the racism scandal that led to his temporary suspension from WWE in 2015. As reported by Newsweek, in July 2015, Hogan was suddenly removed from all WWE programming and erased from the company's website after he was revealed to have used racist slurs in a private conversation. The scandal re-emerged following Hogan's death, reigniting debate over his complicated legacy. The offensive remarks came to light as part of an investigation into a leaked sex tape that was central to Hogan's legal battle with Gawker Media. Hogan was found to have repeatedly used the n-word and made racially charged comments about his daughter's dating life. WWE swiftly terminated his contract and released a statement reaffirming its commitment to diversity and inclusion. Hogan later issued a public apology, calling his language "unacceptable" and stating it was "not who I am." His removal marked a turning point for professional wrestling's engagement with issues of racism and accountability. 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"And I can't imagine what his family is feeling right now, but it's amazing to see the community—and not just the wrestling community, but the community—come together and honor an American icon." Green echoed the same sentiment in a now deleted follow-up tribute shared on social media, as per the Irish Star. "Political views aside, Hulk Hogan's influence on the wrestling world was clearly undeniable," she wrote. "He inspired millions and shaped an entire generation of fans, my husband included. We are mourning the loss of an icon... a legend. My love goes out to his family." Green was accused of minimizing Hogan's past racism and not adequately condemning it. In a follow-up statement on X, Green emphasized her anti-racism stance. "A significant part of my role at @WWE involves engaging w the public & responding to questions, often on live platforms. "Yesterday, I was asked to comment on Hulk Hogan on live tv. Let me be clear: my stance on racism is unwavering. 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Yahoo
21 hours ago
- Yahoo
BBC local broadcasting 'legend' dies
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