Recently, Rebecca Ferguson, a former X Factor contestant, accused ITV of an “abuse of power” and detailed her “traumatic” experience on the talent show. Following this scandal, an industry expert warns that the controversy surrounding Philip Schofield has the potential to be as damaging as the phone-in scandal in 2007, which resulted in ITV being fined a then-record £5.7m by Ofcom for cheating viewers out of millions of pounds through rigged phone-in competitions.
ITV CEO, Carolyn McCall’s, performance in front of MPs is critical in determining the severity of the scandal. During her first appearance, Sir Peter Bazalgette, ITV’s chairman, was present to support her, but he stepped down last September to be replaced by Andrew Cosslett, who lacks significant experience in broadcasting. To prepare for the hearing, ITV has enlisted the help of FGS Global, a City PR firm founded by Remain campaigner Roland Rudd, to provide media training.
To pacify those seeking punishment, McCall may resort to offering up a sacrificial lamb, an action which Enders describes as the “very British thing of claiming scalps.” Kevin Lygo, ITV’s director of TV, could be the prime target for the blame. Lygo has denied any wrongdoings in the handling of the Schofield crisis, but given the recent controversies associated with ITV’s programs, he may struggle to convince MPs.
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