Preston-born editor and journalist Richard Frediani has reportedly stepped back from his role on BBC Breakfast amid allegations of bullying.
Frediani has been editor of the BBC’s flagship morning news programme since 2019 but titles including Deadline has reported his is facing accusations of bullying from those working on the show.
Earlier this year, Deadline reported that two misconduct claims had been subject of two misconduct reports, including an upheld complaint from a woman who said she was physically shaken by him.
Read more: BBC Breakfast boss Richard Frediani wins BAFTA for Post Office scandal coverage
It is also said presenter Naga Munchetty has raised concerns about the culture behind the scenes at the programme.
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.”
According to reports, Frediani was already on leave this week but that has now been extended while an external lawyer carries out an investigation into the workplace culture.
Frediani was contacted for comment by Blog Preston but had not responded by time of publication.
The editor, who remains Penwortham based, is a University of Central Lancashire Honorary Fellow, having studied journalism at UCLan before joining the county’s Red Rose Radio as a reporter.
He then switched to television where he edited news programmes for ITN and ITV before taking the helm at BBC Breakfast where he has become of the BBC’s most senior media executives outside of London.
His parents ran the much loved Umberto’s chip shop in Water Lane for almost five decades which Richard worked in and supported them with.
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