exclusive: no way BBC A whistleblowing investigation has found evidence that management failed to root out a culture of homophobic abuse at a local radio station.
The internal report, said to have been completed this year, partly supported claims that “failures at a managerial and institutional level at BBC Radio Cornwall have created and maintained an environment in which homophobic abuse is implicitly and explicitly tolerated”.
The conclusions of the whistleblowing investigation were revealed as part of an employment tribunal involving the former BBC Radio Cornwall presenter. jack awayA person who takes legal action against a company for unfair dismissal.
The BBC told the tribunal that Murley was sacked for breaching its social media guidelines, but the presenter claimed he had been discriminated against because he was gay and a trade union representative.
Murley’s final written submission, obtained by Deadline, references an internal whistleblower investigation and calls its conclusions “absolutely damning.”
The BBC detailed the “regrettable treatment” of Murley in its final submission but insisted there was no evidence that managers treated him “less favorably” because of his sexual orientation.
The BBC said perpetrators of the ‘historical’ abuse allegations detailed in the whistleblowing investigation were ‘mostly’ former employees, suggesting some of the individuals accused of homophobia still work for the company.
At a court hearing in Exeter, Emma Clements, editor-in-chief of BBC Devon and Cornwall, gave evidence about the management of the WhatsApp group. According to Murley’s written submissions under cross-examination, she acknowledged the group had posts that “could be interpreted as homophobic”. Clements said he “personally challenged the perpetrator,” but the post was not removed.
Deadline asked the BBC a series of questions about the whistleblowing report, including whether those making the allegations have faced disciplinary action. A spokesperson declined to comment while the legal process continues.
The company’s diversity and inclusion policy states: “The BBC is committed to diversity and inclusion in all aspects of recruiting and employment and will not tolerate any form of unlawful discrimination or harassment.”
The release of the report comes as the BBC conducts a review of its workplace culture and staff are being questioned about experiences of misconduct or abuse of power. The work is being led by management consulting firm Change Associates and is expected to be completed next year.
Employment Tribunal Judge Alastair Smail will rule on Murley’s case next year.
