A review of 2023
Philippa Childs looks back at a very busy year for Bectu and its members
Looking back over 2023 feels like something of a rollercoaster.
Unscripted TV emergency
In the spring of 2023 Bectu began to hear reports of a slowdown in work for unscripted freelancers, and we declared an emergency in May. A number of factors seem to have contributed to the crisis, including the BBC licence fee freeze, reduction in advertising revenue and high inflation, creating a perfect storm in unscripted production.
We approached UK broadcasters about the challenges and how they might be resolved. Sadly, there are no easy solutions, but we did persuade them to support freelancers by contributing more to the Film and TV Charity and to undertake several initiatives that freelancers could engage in. As we approach 2024 things don’t seem to be easing significantly so we’ll continue to put pressure on broadcasters to be more open and transparent about their commissioning plans.
WGA and SAG-AFTRA disputes
In the summer of 2023 both the Writers Guild of America (WGA) and Screen Actors Guild- American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) were engaged in long- running strike action as part of their campaigns to win a fair contract from the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers. Whilst we fully supported our US colleagues in their negotiating objectives the impact on Bectu members in the UK was devastating, with productions halted almost overnight and many crew without work for several months. The financial impact of that cannot be overstated; many Bectu members described it as worse than during the pandemic.
Both disputes were resolved satisfactorily and while the industry is breathing a collective sigh of relief, things are yet to fully return to normal. We look forward to 2024 with optimism that it will bring the inward investment that will allow crew to get back to normal working patterns, although we remain vigilant about any attempts to take advantage of the aftermath of the disputes.
Channel 4 consultation
In January 2023 we were pleased that proposals announced by the previous DCMS Secretary of State, Nadine Dorries, to sell off Channel 4 were dropped following a consultation process. Like others, we were vocal about the unique place that Channel 4 holds and argued that its crucial relationship with the independent sector would be fatally damaged by privatisation.
BBC controversies
The BBC was embroiled in a number of inter-related controversies about impartiality this year, not least surrounding Gary Lineker’s tweet about asylum seekers which led to him being taken off air. Lineker was reinstated just days later, and a review of BBC social media guidance initiated.
Throughout this episode the then Chair, Richard Sharp, who should have been defending the BBC, was conspicuous by his absence. He was embroiled in an investigation into his relationships with the Conservative party, which he had not disclosed during the selection process for his role. This omission eventually led to his resignation in April 2023. We have recently welcomed news about a new BBC Chair, but have been clear that the appointment of a BBC Chair should no longer be a gift of the government.
Meanwhile, the government’s decision to freeze the BBC licence fee continues to impact Bectu members. Controversial cuts to local radio went ahead despite the public outcry and the BBC recently announced changes to Newsnight that will sadly impact its unique reputation for distinctive and in-depth investigations.
The government’s failure to honour the planned 9% licence fee increase will mean more damaging cuts. The reduced rise won’t just impact BBC staff, the knock-on effect on freelancers and the entire ecosystem of the creative sector will be significant. We have welcomed the Culture Secretary’s insistence that a review of the BBC’s funding model will help ensure a long-term, sustainable model, but have been clear that we need more detail on who will be involved in this review and that it will consider the BBC’s public service remit alongside commercial aspects.
Complaints involving on-screen talent
2023 has unfortunately served as a stark reminder that the creative industries have a long way to go in tackling the sector’s bullying and harassment problem. Complaints of harassment and inappropriate behaviour against a number of high-profile on-screen talent culminated in allegations levelled at comedian Russell Brand. Bectu wrote to broadcasters and Pact in September. We welcomed the internal investigations into Brand’s behaviour launched by the BBC, Channel 4 and Banijay UK, but argued that current policies and procedures are clearly not fit for purpose.
We called on broadcasters and production companies to commit to the recently launched Creative Industries Independent Standards Authority, but made clear that employers also need to overhaul internal processes for handling sexual harassment complaints, and that this is undertaken in consultation with unions to ensure that the workforce’s concerns are heard and properly addressed.
Uncertainty at the ENO
It’s been another tumultuous and very challenging year for the ENO and Bectu members working there, following ongoing ramifications of the ENO’s removal from Arts Council England’s (ACE) national portfolio organisations late last year, and a directive to move the organisation out of London.
Like others, we were vocal about the need to reverse the damaging cuts and pleased that additional ACE funding was announced in April. However, the revised proposal still fell short of the funding the ENO would typically receive, meaning continued future uncertainty.
Disappointingly, in October the ENO proposed a host of drastic cuts to contracts, hours and salaries citing ongoing financial difficulties. We are engaged in ongoing negotiations with ENO management regarding these cuts, and regarding the recently announced move to Greater Manchester by 2029.
Alongside our Federation of Entertainment Unions colleagues we have called on ACE to produce a realistic strategy for the ENO, and asked ACE and the government to work with Bectu, the other unions and the ENO on a thorough plan for the company and its workforce.
Anything Doesn’t Go!
In April we conducted a survey of theatre workers about audience behaviours following reports of an increase in anti-social behaviour and threats of violence. 1500 respondents shared their experiences and 90% said that they had been on the receiving end of unacceptable behaviour with half saying that they were considering leaving the sector.
Bectu launched our ‘Anything Doesn’t Go’ campaign, which aims to highlight the problem and suggests solutions which employers can adopt to protect their employees. The campaign has attracted lots of media attention as reports of bad behaviour in theatres continue.
Unionisation of live events workers continues apace
Growth in Bectu membership and organisation of live events workers has been a highlight of 2023. This resulted in a campaign to highlight bad practice during festivals around volunteering where we believe that volunteers are often used for work that should be paid. During the summer we drew attention to the Doune the Rabbit Hole festival where volunteers were being asked to pay a hefty deposit whilst other workers were claiming that they still hadn’t been paid for their work in previous years.
Looking forward to 2024
As ever I want to thank all of our members for their ongoing support and a special thank you to Bectu representatives, without whom we would not be growing and thriving.
Next year could bring a general election in the UK and in advance of that Bectu will be asking politicians all of the crucial questions about how they can ensure that our world beating creative industries will be protected and enhanced. But also crucially how the industries brilliant creative workforce can be better supported and protected from exploitative practices and industry turbulence.
I wish you a good Christmas and a happy 2024.
An expanded edition of this report appears in the winter 2023 edition of Stage, Screen and Radio magazine.