Survey Finds 40 Percent of Television Workers Suffer Bullying

Bullying in the television industry has become significantly worse, with almost 40 percent of workers saying they have been victims of it, says a new survey. The survey of more than 500 broadcasting professionals by the consultancy GfK found that 44 percent of victims say long-term harassment, plagiarism of ideas and verbal abuse, began five or more years ago.

More than half of victims (52 percent) have been bullied by their managers, compared with just 4 percent 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 percent, more than double the figure in other industries. Just 5 percent of victims choose to seek legal advice.

"Operating more like a cottage industry, TV's casualised workforce and lack of training provides a breeding ground for bullies," the Independent quoted Lisa Campbell, the editor of Broadcast magazine, as saying.

"Temporary and mobile staff rarely exploit their limited rights because the worst thing you can be branded in TV is a troublemaker," she added.

Source-ANI