media industry abuse — Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy has issued a blunt warning to the media industry over its handling of sexual abuse, saying she believes the problem persists and that organisations have not done enough to protect women. In an interview with the BBC’s Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg, she declared that the time for delay is over and urged the sector to treat abuse allegations with the seriousness they demand.
Her comments followed the conviction of Russell Brand, who was found guilty of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault after a four-week trial. The allegations against him came from multiple women and covered the period between 1999 and 2009.
A Pattern That Has Not Shifted
Asked whether exploitation and abuse were still present in the media industry, Nandy said she saw little evidence that institutions had changed how they respond to women who come forward. She pointed to the Brand trial and to Channel 4’s cancellation of Married at First Sight after the BBC revealed rape allegations as recent examples that had prompted the question.
Nandy said women who allege abuse often receive no protection and face a significant personal cost, particularly in sectors such as media and politics. She highlighted power imbalances and the use of short-term contracts as factors that can leave staff vulnerable.
The culture secretary said she could not assure the public that such abuse is not happening now. She went further, stating that if forced to guess, she would say it is still occurring. Since joining the government, she added, numerous people from within the industry have contacted her to allege that things have happened to them.
BBC Cited as Example—and Pressed to Do More
Nandy acknowledged that some organisations have taken steps. She described the BBC as an exemplar for signing up to the Creative Industries Independent Standards Authority, a body designed to protect whistleblowers, and called on other media organisations to follow its lead.
The BBC said it has made a substantial commitment to improving its culture, processes and standards. A spokesperson noted that following an independent culture review last year, the broadcaster set out behavioural expectations for everyone who works with or for the BBC and made clear that action would be taken if those expectations were not met.
After Brand’s conviction, the BBC said there can be no place for the abuse of power and that the industry must work together so that anyone who suffers at someone else’s hand feels able to report it, is taken seriously and is listened to. The corporation repeated its apology to staff who felt unable to raise concerns about Brand’s behaviour while he worked there between 2006 and 2008 because he was regarded as too influential.
Channel 4, which aired Big Brother and its spin-off programmes when Brand was a presenter, said it recognised the profound impact of the crimes.
Brand's Career and the Charges
Brand began as a stand-up comedian and became a well-known television host on shows such as Big Brother’s Big Mouth. He also presented radio programmes on BBC Radio 2 and 6 Music.
During the trial, six women gave allegations against him. The court found him guilty of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault. The women described how Brand used his fame to force them into sexual activity.
Nandy’s intervention places the conduct of media institutions under fresh scrutiny, with the culture secretary making clear that she expects the sector to move beyond statements and take concrete action to safeguard those who speak up.
