Time is up: Minister warns media industry to take abuse seriously

Minister warns media industry to take abuse seriously in wake of Brand case

Lisa Nandy says she 'would wager' that sexual abuse in the media industry is still happening

Abuse in the media industry is probably still happening as organisations are not doing enough to protect women, the culture secretary has warned

Nandy told the BBC's Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg programme: 'Time is up, it really is time for the media industry to take this seriously'

She added that since entering government, 'many people' from within the industry had reached out to her 'to allege that things have happened to them'

Nandy was asked whether she believed there was still exploitation and abuse within the media industry, following the Brand trial and cancellation of Channel 4 reality show Married at First Sight after the BBC revealed rape allegations

She said: 'I do not see that much has changed in terms of the way that institutions in the media industry and across public life, including politics, deal with women who very bravely come forward to allege abuse'

Nandy added that there was often no protection and a Many people within the media industry have come forward to Lisa Nandy, including from the BBC, alleging sexual abuse and exploitation since Russell Brand's conviction in 2023.

Nandy says she 'would wager' that sexual abuse in the media industry is still happening due to power imbalances and short-term contracts given to staff members.

Brand found guilty of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault, with multiple women revealing how he used his fame to force them into sexual activity during his time as a host on Big Brother's Big Mouth and radio programmes on BBC Radio 2 and 6 Music.

Nandy urges other organisations within the media industry to follow suit by signing up to independent standards body Creative Industries Independent Standards Authority (CISSA) and improving their culture, processes and standards.

She notes that the BBC has made a significant commitment to improve its culture, processes and standards following an independent culture review last year, with action being taken if these are not met.

Nandy also highlights Channel 4's recognition of the