BBC bullying row: Broadcaster accused of 'fudge' by moving boss who prompted over 30 complaints into another role

 

Ian Burrell
Friday 24 January 2014 18:14 GMT
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The BBC has been accused of a 'fudge' for the way it has handled the Rod McKenzie case
The BBC has been accused of a 'fudge' for the way it has handled the Rod McKenzie case

The BBC has been accused of a “fudge” after moving a senior executive who was the subject of more than 30 complaints over bullying to a new role within the organisation.

Rod McKenzie, editor for the past two decades of Newsbeat, the BBC’s youth news service, was moved out of his post after a year-long disciplinary process. He is expected to take a job within the BBC’s local radio structure.

Rob Wilson, a Conservative MP, has written to BBC Director General Tony Hall to complain. “This decision looks like a fudge and I’m sure that victims of bullying across the BBC will feel a sense of betrayal. It is bound to damage their confidence that their employer will stand up for them in cases of bullying.” he said. “Lord Hall promised in May last year that there would be ‘zero tolerance’ of bullying at the BBC.”

Mr McKenzie denied the allegations against him and argued that he was the victim of a campaign. He has also pointed out that some of the allegations were not upheld. In statements seen by The Independent, serving and former members of the Newsbeat team claimed to have worked in a “climate of paranoia and fear” under Mr McKenzie’s editorship and accused him of favouring some members of staff while undermining others.

In a collective statement some of the complainants said: “One person, in a position of power, has made life a living hell for dozens of people over a number of years, and has seemingly been allowed to do so unchecked.”

Some journalists claimed that working at Newsbeat caused them severe health problems. But others spoke up for Mr McKenzie, saying he was “very encouraging to young talent”.

A BBC spokesman said: “We take all allegations of bullying and harassment extremely seriously. We have a duty not only to investigate the allegations but also to all of those involved. Which is why we do not brief the details – which most people would understand.”

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