In the wake of the Phillip Schofield scandal, ITV bosses are in the hot seat. In an era where behind-the-scenes drama often surpasses the shows themselves, ITV executives are due for a televised questioning session in front of the Commons Culture, Media, and Sports Committee. While the intention was initially to discuss the upcoming Media Bill, the unfolding Schofield saga has reframed the agenda.

As the story unfolds, it appears that the Schofield scandal is even more complicated than initially believed. New information has surfaced suggesting that ITV bosses may have had prior knowledge of Phillip Schofield’s affair with a younger colleague on “This Morning”. There are also claims that the younger man received a financial settlement from the broadcaster.

Insiders at ITV have now suggested that senior figures must have been aware of any payments. This new information has prompted concerns about how much ITV management knew and whether they adequately addressed the situation. Former “This Morning” presenter, Eamonn Holmes, has even accused ITV bosses of orchestrating a ‘total cover-up’ of Schofield’s affair.

Further adding to the controversy, the lover allegedly was moved to another ITV daytime program, “Loose Women”, after declaring his love for Schofield at an awards ceremony. He no longer works there.

Amid the scandal, photos have also emerged showing Schofield with his young lover leaving a London club in early 2017, corroborating claims made by Holmes about their relationship.

As the committee prepares to question ITV bosses, Dame Carolyn McCall, finds herself in the not-so-envious position of possibly having to respond to some difficult questions in a televised evidence session by MPs next week. The questioning could not only serve as some justice to those caught up in the scandal but could also promote much-needed change in the entertainment industry’s modus operandi.

In a landscape that’s rapidly changing, due to on-demand services and new technology, the challenges for public service broadcasters are evolving. This televised grilling, while uncomfortable for ITV, might just serve as the bitter medicine needed to modernize not only the technology behind broadcasting but also its ethics, integrity, and responsibility towards its employees and the public.