A Freedom of Information request by Sky News has revealed that more than £61,000 has been spent on accessories as part of a new “Call It Out” campaign.
The initiative aims to “encourage open feedback, celebrate positive behaviour and deal promptly with concerns”, as well as help staff to raise workplace concerns.
Almost £20,000 was spent on branded “Call It Out” mugs alone – along with more than £6,000 on the pin badges and lanyards – which are now available across 72 BBC sites in the UK.
Comings and goings at the BBC
As Match Of The Day returned over the weekend with a new presenting line-up, bosses have their fingers crossed that the recent run of controversies are nearing an end.
Those at the top would hold their breath whenever Gary Lineker posted on social media, but he has now been replaced by Kelly Cates, Mark Chapman and Gabby Logan.
It’s not just the repeated rows with the former England captain that have tarnished the public service broadcaster’s image.
MasterChef judges Gregg Wallace and John Torode have most recently been let go after allegations of misconduct and racist language against the hosts were upheld.
In February, the BBC apologised for failing to stop DJ Tim Westwood’s “bullying and misogynistic behaviour” when he was at Radio 1.
Meanwhile, controversies involving Huw Edwards, Russell Brand and Martin Bashir all still cast a shadow.
Bosses under the spotlight
There are calls for management to also change the way they behave, as well as the high-earning stars appearing on radio and TV.
There have been questions about how long it takes for top bosses to react to scandals, including Director General Tim Davie.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy even said there is “a problem of leadership” when the broadcaster continued to air a Glastonbury performance by Bob Vylan after the band’s frontman shouted “death, death to the IDF”.
Deborah Turness, who heads up BBC News, disagreed with this during a Radio 4 interview, which came after a BBC documentary about Gaza was found to have breached editorial accuracy guidelines.
A BBC spokesperson said: “In April, we committed to immediate action to strengthen our workplace culture, following recommendations in an independent review.
“Our Call It Out campaign is part of that commitment to encourage open conversations and help colleagues recognise and promote positive behaviour across the organisation.”
