Katie Waissel, a former contestant on X Factor, commended the BBC and ITV’s decision to hire more psychiatrists to assist those who appear on television.
The two broadcasters have joined forces to ensure that their duty of care to contributions is met by bringing in professionals. Waissel, who participated on The X Factor in 2010, stated that her experience during and after the show was “terrifying.” Since then, she has earned a law degree and established a nonprofit to provide legal counsel and mental health help to entertainment industry professionals. She is also attempting to sue Simon Cowell’s company, Syco, on the grounds that it breached its duty of care when she was on the talent show.
The broadcasters have collaborated with the British Psychological Society and are currently seeking registered psychologists who may qualify for participation in their programmes. This next Friday is the application deadline.
The BBC’s head of safety, security, and resilience, Simon Adair, stated that “the health, safety, and wellbeing of our programme contributors is of the greatest concern.” ITV’s chief human resources officer, David Osborn, echoed this sentiment: “The demand for media psychologists is growing, therefore we’ve created this development programme to fulfil production needs.”
Waissel stated that she thinks initiatives such as the BBC and ITV initiative will result in “a safer area for everyone to appreciate what should be enjoyed in your field of work, your passions, or where your heart is.” She is also a member of a committee tasked with establishing an independent body charged with preventing bullying, harassment, discrimination, and misconduct.
The X Factor reached its highest ratings in 2010. It is thought that independent psychologists supported candidates during and after their participation. The talent show’s producer, Fremantle, stated last month that the competitors’ duty of care is “of the highest importance” and that “strong mechanisms” are in place to achieve this.
Katie Waissel applauded the BBC and ITV’s decision to hire more psychologists in order to better help show contributors. Speaking up about her “horrifying” experience on The X Factor in 2010, Waissel stated that she is attempting to ensure that no one else must endure the same ordeal. Together with the British Psychological Society, the two broadcasters are requesting that registered psychologists become eligible for their programmes. It is envisaged that this development programme will aid in providing better care for production participants. Waissel is also a member of a commission charged with establishing an independent standards authority for the entertainment sector to prevent bullying, harassment, discrimination, and misconduct.
