- Share this article on Facebook
- Share this article on Twitter
- Share this article on Flipboard
- Share this article on Email
- Show additional share options
- Share this article on Linkedin
- Share this article on Pinit
- Share this article on Reddit
- Share this article on Tumblr
- Share this article on Whatsapp
- Share this article on Print
- Share this article on Comment
In June, U.K. TV giant ITV emphasized that a relationship between former top host Phillip Schofield and a much younger colleague was “deeply inappropriate.” CEO Carolyn McCall launched an investigation of the case after Schofield had to resign from his role as co-host of U.K. TV giant ITV’s morning show This Morning after lying about the affair with a production assistant.
On Thursday, a report with the probe’s findings was published. “ITV’s management made considerable efforts to determine the truth about an alleged relationship between PS and PX following on from the publication of a story in The Sun newspaper in early December 2019,” wrote Jane Mulcahy, who led the investigation. “However, in the face of the denials of the individuals involved, ITV was unable to uncover the relevant evidence until PS’s admission in late May 2023.”
Related Stories
As a result, she highlighted “the importance of junior employees at ITV having the confidence to raise concerns to management in line with ITV’s ‘Speaking Up’ policy,” adding, “I have no doubt that senior management are absolutely wedded to the importance of an open culture. But this culture is still not filtering down to junior employees, many of whom remain convinced that to speak out will have a detrimental impact on their careers.”
Among her other recommendations is “that ITV take the opportunity to set out clear guidelines for its talent going forward to ensure that good behaviors are observed even by those who are household names.” Mulcahy’s suggestion: “Publishing a talent ‘charter’ setting out key standards ITV expects to be
upheld.”
But she found no “toxic” culture at ITV.
ITV in a first reaction also noted that the probe found “ITV’s Disciplinary, Grievance and Freelance Complaints procedures are fit for purpose and work well in practice,” adding, “She finds that ITV seeks — and succeeds in large part — to apply its policies and procedures appropriately to issues which are raised.”
ITV chairman Andy Cosslett concluded: “We welcome her recommendations and are already acting on them. We are completely committed to creating an environment where everyone is treated with
respect and feels able to give of their best. Our promise to those we work with is that where a complaint is made, or serious concerns raised, we will always investigate and if we find that something inappropriate has happened, we will take action.”
THR Newsletters
Sign up for THR news straight to your inbox every day