Pent-up level of abusePower imbalances mean whistleblowing is still rare

Support lines. Slogans. Culture reviews. Even a new standards body. The pipeline of toxic behaviour haunting Britain's television industry in recent years has led to numerous attempts to end the grim assumption among its workers that little can be done to challenge the inappropriate actions of powerful figures.

- Michael Savage

Recent initiatives have shown signs of reducing bad behaviour. However, in an industry that still talks about "above the line" talent - the leading creative figures and cast in a show - many working in the production world fear it still suffers from a power imbalance that fosters unacceptable treatment and deters whistleblowing.

"We're an industry that's supposed to be progressive and groundbreaking, but has embedded itself in some of the worst habits of Hollywood," said one experienced female executive producer. "For the amount of money and profile it generates for the country, it is a very badly safeguarded industry."

The high-profile cases, including allegations against Noel Clarke and Gregg Wallace, have spurred action, most notably with the BBC's culture review published this year and the industry's creation of an independent standards body.

The Guardian has successfully defended a libel action brought by Clarke over its investigation revealing claims of sexual misconduct by more than 20 women. An independent report on Wallace's behaviour substantiated 45 allegations made against him, including claims of inappropriate sexual language and one incident of unwelcome physical contact.

Big independent production companies and broadcasters have embraced support hotlines and some now have independent whistleblowing services available during shoots.