Monday, 18 August 2025

Sky News: BBC pins hopes for culture shift on mugs and lanyards

Story from Sky News:

The BBC is hoping that 10,000 pin badges, 7,000 mugs and 6,000 lanyards will cement a cultural change in staff behaviour in the wake of recent scandals.

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.

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Those at the top would hold their breath whenever Gary Lineker posted on social media, but he has now been replaced by Kelly Cates, Mark Chapman and Gabby Logan.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.

© 2025 Sky UK.