Katie Waissel, a former competitor on X Factor, applauds the BBC and ITV’s decision to hire more psychiatrists to assist those who appear on television.
The broadcasters have collaborated to bring in expertise in order to fulfill their responsibility to contributors.
Waissel reported a “terrifying” experience during and after her 2010 appearance on The X Factor.
“It is a tiny win that two enormous corporations have listened and will make substantial adjustments moving forward.”
Since debuting on the ITV talent program, Waissel has earned a law degree and established a charity to offer legal counsel and mental health support to those in the entertainment industry.
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. Syco has been silent on her legal claims.
‘Obscene pressure’
She stated,
“I cannot allow someone to experience even a fraction of what I went through, not just during my time on that show but also afterward.”
“Whether you are a participant or an employee on these shows, the hours are long and the pressure is exorbitant.
The incredible evolution of dialogues surrounding mental health and mental health support should be mirrored in the job that people perform.
ITV and BBC have collaborated with the British Psychological Society and are now seeking registered psychologists who are eligible to participate in their programs. 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 program contributors are of the greatest concern.”
He continued,
“I am certain that this relationship will strengthen our entire industry by increasing the number of available specialist psychologists, so boosting our ability to protect and support those involved in projects.”
David Osborn, ITV’s chief people officer, stated:
“The demand for media psychologists is increasing, therefore we’ve devised this training program to fulfill that demand.
“Working with the BBC is a significant step forward for our business; we’re coming together to provide the greatest care for the people who help us create great television.”
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 of creative industry professionals tasked with establishing independent standards of authority to prevent bullying, harassment, discrimination, and misconduct.
The X Factor reached its highest ratings in 2010. It is thought that independent psychologists supported candidates throughout and after their participation in the program.
Fremantle, which produced the talent show and responded to Waissel’s legal suit last month, stated that the duty of care owed to competitors was “of the highest significance”
The firm stated that it has “strong mechanisms in place to guarantee competitors are supported, including a dedicated welfare team comprised of psychologists, doctors, welfare producers, and independent legal and management experts with no time restriction on aftercare after the show has broadcast.”
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