Bullying is a reality for 40 per cent of TV workers, says survey

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."