Is Kaye Adams Leaving BBC Scotland Radio for Good?

Radio presenter Kaye Adams will not be returning to her role on the BBC Scotland programme Mornings With after an internal complaint regarding her conduct led to her removal last year. The situation has sparked considerable discussion, particularly around workplace culture within the BBC, and highlights ongoing challenges related to accountability and transparency in broadcasting.

Last updated: 01 November 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

Following an internal investigation, Kaye Adams, a veteran broadcaster with BBC Scotland, will not be reinstated in her presenting role on Mornings With. This decision comes after complaints against her were partially upheld, although specific details about the allegations remain undisclosed, as stated by the BBC. Consequently, Connie McLaughlin will take over the programme from Monday to Wednesday, while Stephen Jardine will present on Thursdays and Fridays.

Key takeaways

Kaye Adams will not return to Mornings With on BBC Radio Scotland.
Some complaints against Adams were upheld; others were rejected.
The BBC has not disclosed specific details regarding the allegations.
Connie McLaughlin and Stephen Jardine will present the programme moving forward.
The BBC's "Call it Out" scheme aims to encourage reporting of poor behaviour.

Timeline: how we got here

The situation surrounding Kaye Adams has unfolded over the past year, with key dates including:

October 2022: An internal complaint leads to Adams being taken off air from Mornings With.
October 2022: Adams expresses her feelings about the situation, stating her name has been "dragged through the mud".
October 2023: Reports emerge that some complaints against Adams were upheld.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

The BBC has confirmed that Kaye Adams will not return to her presenting role, a decision that follows the conclusion of their internal review. The results of this review indicated that while some complaints against her were substantiated, others were dismissed, but the specifics have not been made public.

What was already established

Prior to this week's announcement, it was known that Adams had been removed from her role on Mornings With due to allegations of misconduct. She had publicly voiced her concerns about the lack of transparency surrounding the complaints against her.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

For listeners of BBC Radio Scotland, the changes in the presenting line-up may alter the dynamic of morning programming. Adams' departure marks a significant shift for fans who followed her career for almost four decades. However, the BBC's commitment to addressing workplace culture may suggest a long-term benefit for employees and audiences alike.

Businesses and jobs

The BBC's handling of this situation, alongside its "Call it Out" initiative, could influence workplace practices across the media sector. It underscores the importance of addressing complaints seriously, which may affect recruitment and retention of talent within broadcasting.

Policy and regulation

The incident has raised questions regarding workplace culture in media organisations. The BBC's internal investigation and its subsequent actions reflect ongoing efforts to improve the workplace environment and address unacceptable behaviour among staff. Upcoming consultations may further shape policies on workplace conduct within the corporation.

Numbers that matter

40 years: Kaye Adams' extensive career in journalism and broadcasting.
2010: Year Adams joined BBC Scotland.
2015: Year the daily phone-in programme, Call Kaye, ended.

Definitions and jargon buster

Call it Out: A BBC initiative aimed at encouraging staff to report poor behaviour in the workplace.
Mornings With: A BBC Radio Scotland programme that features discussions and interviews on various topics.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

In the immediate future, listeners can expect to see Connie McLaughlin and Stephen Jardine in the presenter roles on Mornings With. The BBC's ongoing commitment to improving workplace culture will likely continue to be a priority.

Medium term (1–6 months)

As the BBC evaluates its internal processes, further developments in workplace policies may arise. This could include more robust reporting mechanisms and clearer guidelines regarding conduct.

Signals to watch

Updates from the BBC on its workplace culture initiatives.
Any new allegations or complaints that may arise within the corporation.
Changes in the presenting line-up or programming at BBC Radio Scotland.

Practical guidance

Do

Stay informed about workplace policies and reporting mechanisms at your organisation.
Encourage open discussions about workplace behaviour and culture.

Don’t

Ignore or dismiss concerns raised by colleagues regarding workplace conduct.
Assume that complaints will not lead to action; take them seriously.

Checklist

Review your organisation's policies on workplace behaviour.
Familiarise yourself with reporting processes for complaints.
Engage in conversations about workplace culture with colleagues.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While the BBC has taken steps to address workplace culture, there are still uncertainties surrounding the effectiveness of these measures. The lack of disclosed details regarding the complaints against Kaye Adams raises questions about transparency and accountability within the organisation. Future complaints could lead to similar scrutiny, and the handling of these cases will be under close observation.

Bottom line

Kaye Adams' departure from Mornings With signals a significant shift for both her career and BBC Radio Scotland's programming. It reflects broader issues regarding workplace conduct and accountability within the media sector. The BBC's ongoing commitment to improving its workplace culture may ultimately benefit both staff and audiences, fostering a more transparent and supportive environment.

FAQs

Why is Kaye Adams not returning to her BBC Scotland programme?

Kaye Adams will not return to Mornings With due to upheld complaints regarding her conduct, although the BBC has not publicly detailed the allegations against her.

What is the "Call it Out" initiative?

The "Call it Out" initiative is a BBC scheme designed to empower staff to report and challenge poor behaviour in the workplace, stemming from an independent report on workplace culture.

Who will present Mornings With now?

Connie McLaughlin will present Mornings With from Monday to Wednesday, while Stephen Jardine will take over on Thursdays and Fridays.