The BBC’s outgoing head of news has told LGBT staff they “have to get used to” hearing things “they do not personally like”.

[ChristinaXYZ]

From The Telegraph - looks like there is an attempt by BBC management to assert the corporations duty to report all sides:

www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2021/11/14/get-used-hearing-things-dont-like-bbc-news-chief-tells-gay-trans

Apparently:

"In an “extremely hostile” Zoom meeting with the corporation’s Pride network, Frans Unsworth allegedly told employees last Friday they must get used to hearing opinions they disagreed with."

and also:

"Two sources present at the meeting claimed Ms Unsworth,63, said: “You’ll hear things you don’t personally like and see things you don’t like, that’s what the BBC is, and you have to get used to that.”

Ms Unsworth, who is due to leave her position in January, added: “These are the stories we tell. We can’t walk away from the conversation.”

A BBC journalist at the meeting said: “Fran was totally calm but determined about it. was totally calm but determined about it.

“She was reacting to questions from the network that implied people shouldn’t come across views they disliked. To me, it felt like she was having to explain journalism to idiots.” "

The article goes on further to note:

"Meanwhile, Tim Davie, the BBC’s director-general, has attempted to reassure staff over the corporation’s recent departure from Stonewall’s diversity champion scheme and that he was concerned about LGBT inclusivity.

However, Mr Davies was reportedly told by a member of staff that he was not in a position to make decisions on the issue “because he’s not trans”, while another claimed the BBC was “institutionally transphobic”."

I love these two paragraphs tpgether from the Times article:

"A second person told the meeting that they took a day off work after the BBC website story on trans women was published because they could not focus on their job.

Another accused senior executives of “gaslighting” young staff over the article. “We were accused of being overly emotional in our response to our feelings about this article..."

Now that's journalism

From The Times article:

A second person told the meeting that they took a day off work after the BBC website story on trans women was published because they could not focus on their job.

That's quite a new level of delicateness, an article that was, presumably, of no reflection of their behaviour caused them to have a day off?

That's quite a new level of delicateness, an article that was, presumably, of no reflection of their behaviour caused them to have a day off?

Maybe it was distress over what the lesbians had gone through.

X-posted.

I hadn't connected them two, but that is a fantastic coming together.

Thanks for the share token.

Another accused senior executives of “gaslighting” young staff over the article. “We were accused of being overly emotional in our response to our feelings about this article, and accused of not having read it properly and accused of not understanding the concept of impartiality,” they said.

What a massive self-own.

LGB Alliance analysed the BBC Style guide earlier this year. I wonder if this had any influence?
lgballiance.org.uk/2021/08/15/bbc-news-style-guide/

"The article on the BBC News website caused a furore both inside and outside the corporation, with more than 16,000 people signing an open letter demanding the BBC apologise."

I thought that figure had been debunked as untrue?
Is this yet another example of some people hyping the figures (Suicide attempts being one example) for effect?

I thought that figure had been debunked as untrue?
Yes it was. disappointing that MSM is ignoring the excellent analysis by Sarah Phillimore and the volunteers.

Just like they cannot extrapolate criticism of Stonewall from criticism of the LGBT community, could it be this comical lack of resilience has little if anything to do with the identity of the aggrieved?

These people sound as if they'd be problematic employees wherever they rocked up. There'd be enough red flags at interview stage that a boss might actively choose to avoid, and from what we can see here it's a matter of then being insufferable, unprofessional pricks than anything to do with how they identify. It's proving one over the other in the complaints process that is bound to be a big issue going forward.

The BBC’s outgoing head of news has told LGBT staff they “have to get used to” hearing things “they do not personally like”

Another thing they might not like is an ACCURATE STAFF SURVEY. The survey was flawed resulting in a higher number of trans staff being reported than there actually are. A compulsory question on gender identity meant that respondents with no gender identity didn't have an option.

I saw the analysis by Sarah Phillimore and others. Wasn't it the case that a large number of those who signed gave a location outside the UK? That alone should have raised questions. I wonder if the disgusting obscene and threatening names some signatories used were removed.

@BraveBananaBadge

Just like they cannot extrapolate criticism of Stonewall from criticism of the LGBT community, could it be this comical lack of resilience has little if anything to do with the identity of the aggrieved?

These people sound as if they'd be problematic employees wherever they rocked up. There'd be enough red flags at interview stage that a boss might actively choose to avoid, and from what we can see here it's a matter of then being insufferable, unprofessional pricks than anything to do with how they identify. It's proving one over the other in the complaints process that is bound to be a big issue going forward.

The problem with reactions like this, is it will lead to employers being hesitant to give jobs in certain industries to individuals with particular ideological beliefs. Got him/he or her/she on your CV? Well you've immediately restricted yourself to certain careers which are aligned with that. That causes fracturing of society. Likewise some people will avoid applying for jobs at companies which make a fuss about pronouns.

It not healthy however you cut it. You immediately set up the stereotypes (or reinforce certain ones) when you complain about bbc journalism hurting your feelings too. The lack of self awareness and the drive to force people to have the same political views as you in the workplace is nuts. Especially when you woork somewhere that it is essential to rise above your own political beliefs and be aware of and give airtime to opposing views because its literally part of the job!

I’d suggest that whoever that journo is, enjoyed writing that article.

A fourth person added: “Metaphorically we should perhaps throw a brick . . . go to the management team and say: ‘This isn’t good enough. We’re not happy. You can’t fob us off. We’re not going to be quiet.’”

Even this. Is the BBC going to own up to allowing one noisy group of emotionally manipulative people, while it means that another group of employees are not allowed to also speak or to use the language they want to?

And this noisy group don’t see the hypocrisy in their actions!

Spoilt Brad Syndrome and very contagious. My jaw is still dropped at some of the stuff I've been reading and that's saying something. I wouldn't mind so much if these people were actually bringing up solid arguments but 'bringing my true self to work' is mind numbing, emotional clap trap

My authentic self likes sitting around in PJs, eating ice cream and watching box sets. If the BBC are willing to provide me with a safe space to indulge that at work then sign me up.

That Times article today is pure gold. I also came here to share the comments from BBC staff about how emotional they are, but others were up earlier

I think the brick reference might be to the reimagined Stonewall Riots, or am I reading too much into it?

@PanicPrevention

Not to harp on or derail the thread but as a working class single parent I am interested in inclusion in employment and it does frustrate me somewhat that nobody from head office hr or ppl ive worked with for years seem to wonder why im stuck. I'm a good value for money employee, hardly ever sick, one kid hardly ever sick, he's actually off school with covid now and ive only missed one day of work for 10 day isolation. maybe if i identify as nb i might get ny promotion?

Don’t be silly, “ inclusion “ isn’t about supporting working class single mothers, people with disabilities, carers or refugees.

It’s about supporting middle class men. Men who identify as women on some days of the week.

Young blue haired middle class university educated men, who identify as pan or trans or two spirit.

And perhaps the occasional middle class university educated dual heritage woman with short hair who identifies as male.

It’s not for boring uncool people like you @PanicPrevention. I bet you are middle aged as well 🙄

Defo worth a try with the bi thing.

@FlyingOink

Thanks for the share token.

Another accused senior executives of “gaslighting” young staff over the article. “We were accused of being overly emotional in our response to our feelings about this article, and accused of not having read it properly and accused of not understanding the concept of impartiality,” they said.

What a massive self-own.

You see this is the problem when you pick up words that sound powerful and effective without actually understanding what they mean.

I’d suggest that whoever that journo is, enjoyed writing that article.

Jake Kanter at The Times?

He did describe a comment about the The Times calling the BBC too woke / not woke enough / too woke as the “wokey-cokey”

Metaphorically we should perhaps throw a brick . . . go to the management team and say: ‘This isn’t good enough. We’re not happy. You can’t fob us off. We’re not going to be quiet.’”

Metaphorically the management team should say that they have a duty as a public service broadcaster to be impartial, that there are conflicting rights, that GC beliefs as well as sex and sexual orientation are also protected under the EA and if they don't want to work there they know where the door is.

@FlyingOink

I think the brick reference might be to the reimagined Stonewall Riots, or am I reading too much into it?

I dare say it is. So, as I say- this noisy group are threatening to riot (metaphorically, of course) and tantrum til they get what they want, while they are silencing the voices of others.

And BBC and other organisations have allowed this under Stonewall.

And they simply believe they are righteous and on the right side of history.

@Ekofisk

I’d suggest that whoever that journo is, enjoyed writing that article.

Jake Kanter at The Times?

He did describe a comment about the The Times calling the BBC too woke / not woke enough / too woke as the “wokey-cokey”

Wokey-cokey. 🤣

Hasn't there already been some lame TRA protest outside the BBC for the cotton ceiling article?

I agree with you Red, and it seems obvious to those of us posting on here.

Slight tangent - there was the fall out the other week when the organiser of the Bloodstock metal festival tweeted about throwing emails with pronouns included in the bin. The ratio was horrendous and she had to 'step back' from her job. I didn't see a single tweet of support. I had no idea identity politics had such a grip on that scene. But clearly for a huge chunk of (young?) people now, what we dismiss as pointless is life or death to them. It's another fracturing of society like you say, and where the solution lies is not clear.