Russell Brand awaits sentencing as Lisa Nandy warns media abuse persists

Russell Brand has been convicted of one count of rape and three sexual assaults. He is due to be sentenced at Southwark Crown Court on Monday. Sky News reported that he has been told to expect a significant jail term. He is also being investigated over rape claims by two other women, and police have said they expect more victims to come forward.

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said the case must be a watershed moment. She said abuse in media and entertainment is probably still happening today. She pointed to huge power imbalances, short-term and flexible contracts, and the cost to people who speak up. BBC News reported that she said some women had contacted her directly with allegations about media institutions, including the BBC.

Sky News reported that Nandy called on media organisations to sign up to CIISA, the Creative Industries Independent Standards Authority. Sky News also reported that she suggested the government could compel organisations to join if they do not, and noted that CIISA has been criticised for lacking statutory powers. ITV reported that Nandy said the government was extremely concerned about how rape victims are treated and vowed to change the way court proceedings are held.

Channel 4's coverage examined the industry around Brand. It reported that Joe Hemmings, a TV psychologist who worked on Big Brother at the same time as Brand, said younger female crew members told him they felt uncomfortable. Hemmings said nobody challenged the talent in those days. Channel 4 reported that Banijay UK, the Big Brother producer, said it was extremely sorry to anyone affected, and that Channel 4 said its thoughts were with the victims.

Channel 4 also reported that the BBC repeated its apology for the culture of the time and said there can be no place for abuse of power. It reported that Bear Grylls, who baptised Brand, said Brand's faith seemed genuine to him at the time and that judgment is for the court and God. Gordon Smart, the Sun's former showbiz editor, apologised for the paper's Shagger of the Year award.

Channel 4 broadcast an interview with comedian Shappi Khorsandi. She said Brand's predatory behaviour was an open secret and that one woman told her Brand had raped her. She described her own experience with another comedian and said she did not go to police because she doubted she could prove it.

BBC One West interviewed comedian Kate Smurthwaite. She said she had experienced hundreds of incidents in the industry and did not think things were getting better. She said she had heard comedians in green rooms since Brand's conviction complain that he had been treated unfairly. The same bulletin noted that Channel 4 had cancelled Married at First Sight UK after a BBC investigation revealed rape allegations from two cast members.

The case has also prompted debate about rape trials. Sky News reported that Brand's defence lawyer told jurors none of the complainants had resisted, screamed or tried to leave. Sky News also reported that Sir Mark Rowley, head of the Met, said some of the evidence came very close to victim blaming. Sky News reported that Prime Minister Andy Burnham said he wanted to look more closely at how rape trials are conducted so victims do not feel they are on trial. Sky News reported that Kirsty Brimelow Casey, representing the Bar Council, said judges already tell juries there is no typical rape victim.

Channel 4 reported that Brand's barrister referred himself to his professional regulator after being accused of a tirade at a Sunday Times journalist after the verdict. Channel 4 also reported that Brand spent a second night in a cell awaiting sentencing.