After the torrent of recent arrests, charges and trials, Features Editor Imogen Watson investigates what impact these rape and assault allegations will have for the television and media industries.
Is it ever too late to prosecute somebody for a crime?
In recent weeks and months, we have seen numerous famous faces hauled in for questioning and frequently charging on suspicion of indecent and sexual assault, many of which happened, literally (in the correct sense of the word) decades ago. There have been actors, television presenters and producers all in the spotlight, and every few days appears to bring a new one. In terms of making shocking media headlines, of course the bigger the name, the better – Rolf Harris for one, and William Roach (Coronation Street’s Ken Barlow) too.
Perhaps it disappoints you. Perhaps your scepticism gnaws at you, asking if some people are jumping on a bandwagon. Perhaps you just feel like your childhood memories are being tainted, and are hoping no other accusation comes crawling out of the woodwork.
As all of these accusations are so far in the past, is it even fair to be investigating them now? Well, and I am not going to argue around the issue, yes. Difficult as it may be, whether or not we will be able to watch or remember our old favourite programmes in the same way should never be our principal concern. Unfortunately these kinds of problems form part of the harsh reality of our world that we have yet to eradicate; those on the receiving end of assault had to face it, and some far too earlier than would ever be wished upon anybody (and although some allegations are still exactly that, we have only to look at Jimmy Savile and Stuart Hall to know not all are).
We are all aware that history can have a massive impact on both the present and the future, and it is by learning from that past we will constantly improve. That improvement will allow us hopefully to arrive at a place and time where these instances occur much less frequently. This is what the BBC has started to do by overhauling its bullying and harassment policy in the wake of recent months.
And, of course, if somebody has done something so grossly unjust, they ought to stand trial for it whenever that may be. Sooner is infinitely preferable to later, but later will still suffice. We also need a society where if someone has been attacked in such a way, they feel safe – provided the claim is true – to make the complaint and that situation is far from evident today. But that insistence on making true claims is always necessary. Once anybody’s name is put with such an accusation, an association has been made whether accurate or not, and a reputation is tainted for good.
Imogen Watson, Features Editor
exeposedev 