BBC Breakfast editor Richard Frediani has been cleared of accusations of bullying and bad behaviour and will not face a full investigation following a probe that saw PWC brought in as a consultant to review the work culture on the BBC’s flagship morning show.
Historical allegations about Frediani resurfaced in June, with complaints dating back to 2019, as well as claims of a feud with host Naga Munchetty, and separate claims of tension between Munchetty and and her co-host Charlie Stayt. Frediani was reported to be on “extended leave” in June.
However, after more than 70 sessions, a full investigation into the former ITN executive who led Manchester-based BBC Breakfast to its first BAFTA in May for its coverage of the Post Office scandal will not be launched, Prolific North understands.
It is not clear what the situation means for Munchetty, who reports say still has the threat of a full investigation hanging over her after concerns raised during the review. Frediani and Munchetty are reportedly “barely speaking,” although the editor is understood to have a good relationship with other presenters including Sally Nugent and Jon Kay. Various reports have appeared in the press in which Munchetty has been described by colleagues as “hard” and “bullying,” with claims including unreasonable demands around her breakfast order and more serious allegations about inappropriate sexual language.
Frediani has told staff last that he was in the clear and would be carrying on with his duties overseeing BBC Breakfast and the News at One bulletin from the broadcaster’s Salford studios, The Times reports.
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Frediani faced disciplinary action last year for “shaking” a female colleague, and other historical concerns are understood to have included inappropriate behaviour such as kicking a bin in frustration.
The review was initially launched into the working culture on Breakfast but is believed to have expanded to take in BBC Radio 5 Live, where Munchetty — described by one fellow presenter as “incredibly hardworking” — hosts a daily show.
In a note to staff, John McAndrew, BBC News’s director of programmes, said that a few “key themes” had emerged from the review. “We want to make sure we really capture what you’ve shared, so thanks in advance for patience while we take the time to get it right,” he added.
The BBC does not comment on individual cases, but a spokesperson said in a statement that the broadcaster takes complaints about conduct at work “extremely seriously”. The statement added: “We 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.”
