The province’s politicians got into a debate at the legislature about whether government is doing enough to stop harassment, specifically sexual harassment, in the workplace. Harassment in some form or another has been present at virtually every radio job I’ve had and it doesn’t matter whether or not the target is you, the fact that it is allowed to continue affects everyone on staff.Â
The only real regrets I have about my work life involve not sticking up for myself or for others when I had the chance. However, I’m happy to say that in recent years, I’ve taken those opportunities. When a colleague was publicly bullied a few years ago, I’m proud that I can say I stepped forward, alone, to tell him it was wrong and to stop. Maybe you just get to a point where you feel you don’t care about the consequences. Also, most of this harassment, sexual or otherwise, is all about power and when you don’t have any, the situation is intimidating. No one intimidates me now, and I have even less power than I used to.
In my career, I tolerated a lot of ongoing shit. Most women in this business, and many men, do. Steve Kerzner, the man behind Ed the Sock, said it so eloquently in a Facebook post. Kerzner has been in TV and radio for decades and witnessed loads of harassing behavior. As he puts it, it’s as if media managers are so puzzled by talent that they don’t want to change the dynamic at work in case the talent goes away! (I’m paraphrasing – the complete post is under Ed the Sock on Facebook.) So they turn their backs when people complain and allow the culture of unfairness to continue. It’s unbelievable and then eventually it’s predictable that the harasser is favoured in the situation. It’s like a big brother is beating you up and Mom and Dad blame you. Trust me, every woman who has been in broadcasting for 10 years or more knows exactly what I mean. Here’s my selected history:
*the Program Director intimates that sleeping with him will get me a better shift
*the miserable morning man comes in nearly daily telling me things like, “you don’t belong on the air” and “you’re the worst announcer I’ve ever heard”. I leave many mornings in tears.
*the Program Director gives everyone on staff a raise except me. When asked to explain, he tells me, “I don’t want a female on air. You’re here because the GM likes you.”
*threatened by a colleague that he plans to beat me up “next time I catch you alone”. Another colleague intervenes.
*propositioned by a much-older GM during a job interview. I decline. Didn’t get the job.
*propositioned by several drunk or high managers, late at night, while alone at the station
*bullied by co-host. told by him to stay away from public station events, told often that I was unnecessary to the show.
*co-host would tell in-studio guests, “you don’t need to meet her, she’s just the girl.” On air insults based on my gender drew angry phone calls from female listeners. Management finally acted after I was threatened physically and told them I would go the labour board or police
*colleague almost daily yelled at entire team for small errors. Threats made of bodily harm or career impairment.
It looks all neat and concise in a list and it’s a curated list, not a complete one. But it happens subtly and sometimes daily, and if you complaint isn’t taken seriously, you eventually accept it as part of the culture or get out.
Not standing up to someone you believe could hurt your career or who intimidates you through fear of physical force does not make you culpable. However, a manager who refused to intervene is a big part of the problem. It has to be part of the culture to stop this kind of behavior immediately and make it known that it’s not acceptable. My current managers will not put up with anything remotely resembling these incidents. There would be no excuses made for anyone who isn’t respectful and professional. So I ask other managers in media today, will you? Can you step up and make bullies and power-trippers fall in line or leave? The change will only happen when the status quo is no longer acceptable.
Hi Lisa
So glad that I clicked on the link to your blog, through Erin’s site.
Bullying should not be tolerated at any time or place. I am always happy when someone speaks up – we have all been there in some way. Let’s hope that the zero tolerance policy is truly lived up to. In our family’s experience (through the school system) the bullies remained as I removed my son from the school. We were investigated by child services & the bullies got away with the bullying when my son was too frightened too name names. It was an horrific ordeal. As these situations continue to ‘come out’ it is good that people with high profiles speak up & push for change. Just using the words Zero Tolerance does not work unless it is put into action by those in authority.
thank you
Sandra
Thank you Sandra. I’m sure there is a variety of reasons why bullies and those who behave inappropriately are protected. I only know what’s going on in my industry. We have to protect each other.
The key to addressing this issue, isn’t through legislation, but through each individual adopting a personal zero tolerance policy not only for themselves, but their colleagues and speaking up any and every time they witness inappropriate behavior. Sadly todays corporate culture enables this type of behavior given that if your seen as a shit disturber or rock the boat your career is negatively effected given that management isn’t willing to deal with the issue and usually don’t have the training or skill set to do so, their gutless!
Over the years, I’ve had more than one conversation with a colleague or manager regarding their inappropriate behavior towards another staff member and although not of sexual nature, myself as a person with a disability.
If your not willing to stand up for yourself, others usually won’t be willing to get involved.
While it’s absolutely true that you need to stand up for yourself, you also need someone in authority to have your back. Even when I have complained about legitimately bullying behavior, at times, I’ve gotten no more than a shrug in return from spineless supervisors who don’t want to deal with the situation. If you don’t have someone in authority telling you what won’t be tolerated, and that it’s safe to come forward, standing up for yourself is futile.
True, within the workplace you really need the support of management. However saying that, you’ve not met my Irish side, and that side of my personality will read you the riot act and quote sections of the labour and human rights code and I do not have any problems filing formal or official complaints. If management gets in the way, I run them over!
I’m wondering how many (if any) of your former co-hosts’ blood ran cold when you saw them starting a list. If they did, they’re guilty – whether you annotated their bullying tactics here or not. We could write a book, you and I. But the sad part is – all these years later – I’m still afraid of the SOBs. And what THEY might say (because why would *I* be believed?). Ah, to hell with them. I won – I’m here. They. Are. Not. But if people only knew, eh?
I’m not afraid anymore. That’s what bugs me a bit about it now. There are a couple from years past that I couldn’t be in the same room with now. But Erin, you won in every possible way! And I bet some of them feel pretty stupid and maybe even sorry.