Some staff on the under-fire breakfast show have defended Richard Frediani at the centre of the row, who Naga Munchetty is said to have a strained relationship with
A Bullying probe has been launched on BBC Breakfast (Image: CREDIT LINE:BBC/James Stack)
BBC Breakfast insiders have defended the under-fire boss at the centre of a bullying probe, with one claiming: “The truth will out.”
Show boss Richard Frediani is on extended leave on the flagship show after complaints abour his behaviour. Host Naga Munchetty is also said to not get on with him.
But some former and current staff on the programme yesterday launched a spirited defence of the executive.
One told the Mirror: “He is not a bully at all and the truth will come out. He’s a great boss and was – and is still – overwhelmingly loved by the team, who respect his drive, expertise, and journalistic ambition. He has delivered great audiences and the first ever Bafta for breakfast TV.
“He can be brash and opinionated but works so hard for his team and allows people to flourish.”
A second source said that some staff were disappointed with Munchetty who it’s claimed has raised concerns about Frediani’s management style with BBC managers.
They said: “Yes, he is old-school and can rub people up the wrong way but it’s always in the pursuit of great television. It’s the best-rating breakfast show in the country – it’s not supposed to be a walk in the park. Some – Naga included – need to understand this. It feels like it’s a case of presenter power turfing out a brilliant journalist.” Co-host Charlie Stayt is also said to have a strained relationship with Frediani.
Richard Frediani accepts a BAFTA for ‘BBC Breakfast: Post Office Special’ (Image: Getty Images for BAFTA)
Frediani has been at the helm of the show since September 2019. He recently had his role expanded to include the flagship News at One.
In March, industry website Deadline revealed how Frediani was the subject of at least two misconduct complaints, including one from a woman who had her grievance upheld after claiming he physically shook her during a newsroom exchange last year.
Some also alleged that they have felt shouted at when mistakes have been made on-air, while one person witnessed Frediani walk out of the production gallery and kick a wastebasket.
An internal investigation is now being carried out following the allegations of bullying.
An HR adviser from consultancy firm PwC is also supporting the corporation as it looks into the culture of the morning TV show.
In April, BBC executives Tim Davie and Samir Shah vowed that “today is the day we draw a line in the sand” after an independent review found some “well-known names” are “not being held to account for poor behaviour”.
The workplace culture review, led by management consultant Grahame Russell from Change Associates, was launched in the wake of the furore over disgraced former newsreader Huw Edwards.
Frosty: Naga and Charlie are said to have a strained relationship with their boss(Image: BBC)
A BBC spokesperson said: “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.”
