Following an appalling statement on the EMG Live Website that came to light earlier this week disparaging freelancers, the Head of Bectu Philippa Childs sent this letter to the CEO of EMG on Wednesday morning.

“Dear Peter,

I am writing to you concerning a statement on your website regarding freelance crew.

The statement reads as follows-

“We pride ourselves on our crew. As EMG has a high level of skilled staff members in every discipline (with a lower reliance on freelancers), you can be certain that your project will always be managed and handled by the very best of talent. This of course, is reflected in the quality of broadcast that we deliver.”

I am attaching a screenshot of the page, taken on 23/7/2024 from your website.

The statement has been seen by many of our freelance colleagues, who, as I am sure you will understand, strongly feel this belittles their long-standing contribution and loyalty to your company and the talent and breadth of experience they bring to the productions they work on.

I am also sure you will agree that your freelance colleagues take a deep pride in their teamwork and that of their staff colleagues, many of whom they frequently help and share their experience with.

A statement such as this, designed to speak to prospective clients, does little to foster shared respect or acknowledge the important contribution that your freelance colleagues continue to bring to your clients’ successful productions. No reputable company will wish to being seen as punching down on its partners or workforce and I am sure that you will wish to continue to value your freelance partners and the profound contribution they make to the industry.

To this end, and I do note that the statement has been subsequently modified, I would ask that you reconsider the statement on your website and in addition acknowledge the wide range of experienced freelance talent that you are able to draw on.

Kind regards

Philippa Childs
Head of Bectu & Deputy General Secretary of Prospect”