The BBC has launched a probe into bullying at Manchester-based BBC Breakfast following formal complaints against editor Richard Frediani, according to a report in The Sun.
The probe has reportedly left the newsroom “divided” as staff grapple with allegations of inappropriate behaviour behind the familiar sofa of the cosy morning show, while the paper also reports that tensions between the show’s two main hosts, the outwardly friendly Naga Munchetty and Charlie Stayt, are threatening to “combust” behind the scenes. The Sun’s sources claim tensions between the pair have risen over their differing approaches to the work environment, with Munchetty keen to support junior staff while Stayt takes a “finish filming then leave approach” she considers akin to accepting “toxicity as the status quo.”
The paper reports that many staff feel uneasy around “draconian” boss Frediani, aka Fredi, and that the editor’s behaviour has been worse since the show picked up a Bafta TV Award last month, with some staff actively avoiding being left alone with him following an allegation last year that he physically shook a lower-ranking female editor – that complaint was upheld after a BBC investigation.
A source told The Sun: “The probe into Fredi’s bullying is the tip of the iceberg when it comes to BBC Breakfast.
“In reality, the smiles on the red sofa mask growing tension and an increasingly toxic culture, driven from the top down, with its unwitting presenters at the heart.
“Naga is incredibly approachable and friendly to everyone on set. Charlie is very professional and tries to disengage from any politics. But some stars, like Sally Nugent, are loved by Fredi, whereas others, like Naga and Charlie, are not.
“Frankly, he can be mildly terrifying if you’re on the wrong side of him.”
The BBC said in a statement: “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.”
The latest probe, which sources told The Sun that the BBC is keen to emphasise is an informal internal probe rather than a formal investigation, comes three months after industry site Deadline alleged Frediani – regarded as the BBC’s most powerful exec outside London – faced at least two misconduct complaints.
Meanwhile, in April, MailOnline revealed some staff had expressed unhappiness with Frediani, accusing him of being on occasion “aggressive” and “belittling” towards staff. Also in April, The Sun quoted sources from ITN, where Frediani previously held senior roles on the team that produces ITV News, claiming he was a “bully” who would shout, swear and intimidate colleagues.
It is understood the latest BBC probe will take in historical allegations against Frediani, and complaints dating back to 2019.
