Channel 5's Ben Frow Rejects Sarah Everard Drama: 'Some Things I Just Wouldn’t Do'

Ben Frow, the chief content officer at Channel 5, has made it clear that he would never greenlight a drama about Sarah Everard, despite the story's significance. While he acknowledges that Jeff Pope, the writer for a BBC version focusing on the investigation into Everard's 2021 murder, will likely handle it well, Frow stands by his decision.

Frow's criteria for commissioning projects revolve around personal interest and the potential backlash: "Would I watch it? Is it more trouble than it’s worth? Why am I doing it?" He insists that certain stories, like Everard's, are among those he would choose to avoid.

The BBC has faced scrutiny for having a male writer tackle a narrative that resonates profoundly with women, especially considering the public outpouring of grief and protest following Everard's death. Despite steering clear of this particular drama, Frow has tackled other contentious topics, including a production on Huw Edwards and the case of Madeleine McCann.

Frow emphasized the importance of contributor welfare today, stating that the network prioritizes responsible storytelling, listening to any concerns from contributors, and adapting or abandoning projects as necessary.

Source: variety.com