BBC Launches Internal Review into Bullying Allegations on Breakfast Show Amidst Editor’s Controversy

The BBC has brought in a consultant to oversee an internal review of bullying and misconduct allegations within its flagship Breakfast show, the UK’s most-watched morning program.

Following an investigation by Deadline earlier this year, sources reveal that the BBC’s HR team has assigned a lawyer from PwC to help evaluate the workplace culture on Breakfast. Numerous employees have been approached to share their experiences as part of the review.

At the center of the controversy is Breakfast editor Richard “Fredi” Frediani, whose leadership style has sparked widespread concern. More than 20 industry insiders have described Frediani as running the show with an iron fist, including allegations of shouting and swearing at colleagues. Senior presenter Naga Munchetty is reportedly among those who raised formal concerns.

Since assuming control of Breakfast in 2019, Frediani has faced at least two misconduct complaints, one involving a female employee who claimed he physically shook her during a newsroom exchange. Despite this complaint being upheld, the BBC expanded Frediani’s responsibilities shortly afterward to include News at One.

The scrutiny escalated recently after The Sun published a front-page story detailing the bullying claims.

Frediani has declined to comment on the allegations. A BBC spokesperson stated: “While we do not comment on individual cases, we take all complaints about conduct at work extremely seriously and will not tolerate behaviour that is not in line with our values. We have robust processes in place and would encourage any staff with concerns to raise them directly with us so they can be addressed.”

This internal review comes on the heels of a workplace culture inquiry conducted by Change Associates, which exposed troubling dynamics within the BBC. The report noted some individuals are perceived as “untouchable” due to their value, continuing to thrive or even be promoted despite ongoing grievances or investigations.

BBC chair Samir Shah called the report a “line in the sand,” promising to support those who raise concerns and asserting zero tolerance for those who abuse power or behave inappropriately.

Frediani, regarded as one of the most formidable British TV news editors, rose from local radio in Preston to become one of the BBC’s most influential news executives outside London. Based in Salford, he is credited with an instinctive understanding of regional audiences, a valuable asset to the BBC, often criticized for London-centric bias.

Last month, Breakfast won its first BAFTA for coverage of the Post Office scandal, an achievement that insiders say highlights Frediani’s professional skills. However, his old-school newsroom approach has caused friction. Witnesses report episodes of Frediani shouting at staff over on-air mistakes and even physically expressing frustration by kicking a wastebasket.

One incident in 2019 reportedly involved Frediani cornering a colleague against a wall, jabbing his finger while expressing anger. Other sources allege he has been heard screaming into the phone at other BBC desks, criticizing the content supplied to Breakfast.

This ongoing bullying investigation shines a light on the challenges of evolving newsroom cultures in modern broadcasting and the BBC’s commitment to addressing such serious concerns.