What's Happening?
Lisa Nandy, the UK culture secretary, has criticized major TV players, including Channel 4, Disney, and Amazon, for refusing to fund the Creative Industries Independent Standards Authority (CIISA), a new independent body addressing bullying and harassment complaints in the industry. Nandy highlighted the reluctance of U.S. streamers to sign up for CIISA, with Netflix also reportedly hesitant. She specifically called out Banijay, the production company behind MasterChef, for not fulfilling its funding commitments despite previous misconduct scandals. Banijay has stated its support for CIISA and willingness to fund it during its development phase, but CIISA insists on full annualized funding. The BBC, ITV, Sky, Warner Bros. Discovery, BAFTA, and union Bectu have pledged annual payments to CIISA.
Why It's Important?
The refusal of major streamers to fund CIISA raises concerns about the industry's commitment to addressing bullying and harassment. CIISA aims to set standards for behavior and provide mediation and investigative functions, which are crucial for maintaining a safe and respectful work environment. The lack of financial support from key players could hinder CIISA's ability to effectively implement its mandate, potentially impacting the industry's reputation and its ability to attract talent. The government's openness to changing the law to compel funding highlights the seriousness of the issue and the need for collective action to address misconduct.
What's Next?
CIISA plans to publish its funding partners, effectively revealing non-funders by omission, which may pressure companies to contribute. The government may consider legislative changes to enforce funding if voluntary contributions remain insufficient. The ongoing discussions between CIISA and industry stakeholders will likely continue, with potential adjustments to CIISA's remit and funding model to address concerns about value for money and duplication of existing standards.
