Our mission with Can’t Buy My Silence to release Channel 4 News women who have been gagged by NDAs just got bigger! Ourselves and loads of sound MPs and brilliant celebs have written a letter to Channel 4 News following allegations that they have been using NDAs to cover up gender pay discrimination, harassment and bullying.
You better be listening Channel 4 News, we will NOT be ignored!
Dear Channel 4 News,
We the undersigned believed Channel 4 News to be a bastion of free speech and equality. We are shocked to learn that Channel 4 News women have been required to sign confidentiality agreements, or NDAs, to cover up allegations of abuse, harassment, maternity discrimination and bullying in their own newsroom.
Some of us have appeared on Channel 4 News to discuss the damage that NDAs do to lives. Channel 4 News women themselves say silencing clauses have left them feeling ‘traumatised’ and ‘isolated.’
We are calling on the producer of Channel 4 News, ITN, to free all former staff from their confidentiality agreements. NBC News in America has released all former staff from confidentiality clauses – we think the same needs to happen in Britain too.
Gagging orders are the opposite of journalism. Journalism uncovers the truth, gagging orders hide it. Channel 4 News women deserve the dignity of telling their stories. We believe all former ITN staff deserve the dignity of being heard.
Channel 4 News has the opportunity to stand up and earn its reputation as an inclusive and progressive workplace. We hope it seizes this moment.
- Joeli Brearley, Founder, Pregnant Then Screwed
- Zelda Perkins and Professor Julie MacFarlane, co-founders, Can’t Buy My Silence
- Gretchen Carlson, Journalist, Co-Founder Lift Our Voices, Female Empowerment Advocate
- Carrie Gracie, Journalist and author
- Dame Jenni Murray, Author and broadcaster
- Caitlin Moran, Author and journalist
- Carole Cadwalladr, journalist
- Samira Ahmed, journalist and broadcaster
- Sophie Walker, Founding Leader, Women’s Equality Party
- Helen Lederer, comedian
- Stella Creasy MP (Lab)
- Hannah Bardell MP (SNP)
- Laura Bates, author, Everyday Sexism
- Maya Tutton, co-founder, Our Streets Now
- Kelechi Okafor, actress and activist
- Deeba Syed, women’s rights activist and lawyer
- Time’s Up! Non-profit supporting victims of workplace sexual harassment
- Danielle Bradford, sexual violence researcher and activist
- Dame Heather Rabbatts, barrister and former Channel 4 executive
- Caroline Lucas MP (Green)
- Alison Thewliss MP (SNP)
- Sarah Olney MP (Lib Dem)
- Rachael Maskell MP (Lab)
- Caroline Nokes MP (Con)
- Kevin Brenan MP (Lab)
- Dr Shola Mos-Shogbamimu, activist and lawyer
- Patsy Stevenson, women’s rights activist
- Philippa Childs, Head of Bectu
- Michelle Stanistreet, General Secretary, NUJ
- Level Up, UK feminist organisation
- Jamie Klingler, Reclaim These Streets
- Mandu Reid, Leader, Women’s Equality Party
- Tabitha Morton, Deputy Leader, Women’s Equality Party
- Ellie Peers, General Secretary, The Writer’s Guild
- Jan Wong, Journalist, Co-Founder Asian Canadian Women’s Alliance
- Ifeoma Ozoma, Earthseed, Co-Sponsor of Silenced no more Act, California
- Dr Anna Bull, Co-director 1752 Group
- Catherine Meyer, Co-Founder Women’s Equality Party
- Rebecca Ferguson, Singer / Songwriter, Activist and Campaigner
