BBC beefs security as abuse hits crews

BBC Scotland bosses have promised to step up security to ensure its journalists and camera crews are protected from abuse.

Action is being taken after a number of news crews reported being subjected to personal abuse from the public while on outside broadcasts.

It is understood news crews, including some women, suffered a level of abuse that left them fearing for their safety. On one occasion, a crew had to move location due to continuous verbal abuse.

Security was provided to staff at the time, but the BBC has indicated it is likely to increase assistance for outside broadcasts.

The action comes at a time when concern is mounting about the online abuse journalists often face.

In addition to boosting security, the BBC has promised to report future instances of abuse at events to organisers.

Staff were told about the action during a briefing at the BBC’S headquarters in Glasgow.

Head of newsgathering Howard Simpson told them: “We know there have been instances recently when some of you have had difficult situations to deal with as you go about your job in telling our audiences what’s happening.

“Be assured that if these incidents happen while covering organised events in future, we will call it out with organisers so we reduce the chances of it happening again.

“Giving our audience as much information and as many facts as we can is crucial to what we do – no matter how uncomfortable that is for some vocal minorities who would rather hear only what they want to hear.”t