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Young women in TV are ‘still at risk from predators’, broadcasting chief warns
Dorothy Byrne, Channel 4’s former head of news and current affairs, has warned that young women in television remain vulnerable to abuse because powerful talent can influence whether junior staff get future work. She said the conviction of Russell Brand could mark a turning point, with some men who have behaved badly now feeling frightened.
The BBC apologised again after reviewing eight allegations concerning Brand’s time there from 2006 to 2008, but faced criticism for noting he also worked for other broadcasters. A BBC review found junior staff felt there was little point in complaining; Channel 4’s 2024 inquiry found one complaint was not escalated, while Banijay UK found informal complaints had not been passed on. A 2023 investigation by Channel 4 and the Times titles prompted women to come forward.
In short
- Dorothy Byrne says junior women in TV remain at risk.
- She says Brand’s conviction could prompt change.
- Reviews found complaints were not always escalated.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Byrne’s warning is supported by reports that junior staff felt unable to complain and by reviews finding that concerns were not always escalated. When influential performers can affect who gets future work, weak reporting routes and informal handling may leave young women exposed, so broadcasters need stronger safeguards and accountability.
The case against
The reported reviews identify failures that broadcasters can address, but they do not establish that young women across television remain broadly at risk or that every informal complaint was mishandled. The BBC’s reference to Brand’s work at other broadcasters could be seen as relevant context about the limits of its own review, rather than an attempt to deflect responsibility; claims about a wider turning point should be assessed against evidence of lasting changes in practice.