ITN journalists criticize non-disclosure agreements after complaints revealed
- A law firm's report revealed issues of low trust and psychological safety among ITN staff, impacting their willingness to raise complaints.
- The report noted unclear communication regarding non-disclosure agreements, raising concerns about their use to suppress allegations of misconduct.
- In response to the criticism and findings, ITN pledged to enhance complaint services and improve organizational transparency and accountability.
In the UK, ITN, a media organization that produces news for major broadcasters, has been criticized by its journalists and staff regarding its handling of internal complaints. A report by law firm Simmons & Simmons revealed issues of low trust and psychological safety, indicating reluctance among employees to raise concerns. The report, based on interviews with 45 current and former staff members from 2018 to 2024, noted unclear messaging from ITN, particularly regarding non-disclosure agreements (NDAs). Although no legal concerns about NDAs were found, the company faced allegations of using them to suppress misconduct claims. Following the report, ITN announced plans to enhance its services for confidential complaints. Senior ITN staff recognized the company’s shortcomings in addressing these concerns and expressed a commitment to creating a culture of openness. The investigation and its findings led to public outcry among employees, reflecting broader issues within ITN regarding transparency and the treatment of staff. Senior figures within the organization, including news anchors, have openly criticized the management’s failure to ensure a safe environment for raising issues, correlating the situation to public sector standards of accountability.