28-09-2023, 08:58 AM
(27-09-2023, 10:59 PM)Stooky Bill Wrote: The Byline Times has an article about today's events which includes this about what what is supposedly been going on at GB NewsIf this is correct about Wootton being the show's executive editor it sounds like remarkably similar to the problem BBC had with The Russell Brand show (at least with regards to his sacking). If I recall correctly one of the problems identified after the 'Sachsgate' incident was that Brand was essentially an executive producer of his own programme, and others producing the programme weren't prepared to / didn't feel able to intervene when he crossed the line.
Byline Times understands that it was the threat of “staff insurrection” over how Wootton, the show’s executive editor, handled the segment – and the apparent mocking of production staff (per Fox’s tweets) – which led to Wootton’s suspension.
If Wootton or other presenters are 'executive editors' for their programmes then I think there needs to be someone else present in the gallery (or watching) with equal or higher status, who can intervene. Failing that the gallery staff should be empowered to be able to instruct the presenter to make corrections or apologise where a guest has crossed the line, even if it's communicated during a commercial break.
I think it's reasonable to assume that Laurence Fox is unlikely to return to the channel, especially since he's doubled down on his comments and essentially thrown the channel under the bus. I imagine that assuming the pre-interview screenshot is genuine GB News' defence would be that it notes "would ever want to get into a relationship with a woman unless...", which is slightly different (though not much better) than what he actually said on air.
As for Wootton returning, that's less clear. Ordinarily I'd have thought suspending him yesterday would allow them to claim they've completed an investigation by Monday morning, say they've given him a reminder about policies, and return him to the air. Given the controversary already surrounding him which they've had to respond to a government committee on, I think that makes things less certain. Also, worth remembering that GB News previously sacked Guto Hari for simply taking the knee, which was deemed as "an unacceptable breach of our standards" (according to a tweet put out at the time).
Formerly 'Charlie Wells' of TV Forum.