The life and tragic death of John Balson: how a true crime producer documented his own rising horror

🌈 Abstract

The article discusses the tragic story of John Balson, a freelance TV producer who died by suicide after struggling with a debilitating vestibular migraine condition. It explores the high-pressure and ethically challenging nature of the true crime TV industry, the lack of mental health support for freelance workers, and the failures of the NHS in providing adequate care for Balson.

🙋 Q&A

[01] John Balson's Life and Career

1. What was John Balson's professional background?

• Balson was a 40-year-old freelance TV producer who worked on true crime series for production companies like Alaska TV
• He was exceptional at his job, spending long hours researching and investigating unsolved murders
• He was the lead producer on a new series called "In the Footsteps of Killers" for Channel 4

2. What were the challenges and pressures Balson faced in his work?

• The project on the unsolved murder linked to a paedophile ring was challenging, with the victim's family not on board and Balson receiving threats
• He had a long commute from east London to the production company's offices in west London
• As the TV industry faced financial pressures, Balson was required to work longer hours and take on more stress
• He felt guilt and responsibility towards the contributors he worked with, some of whom had tragic outcomes

3. How did Balson's health and mental state deteriorate?

• In the days before he fell ill, Balson had a good day with his family, but was tired from the long hours
• He started experiencing debilitating symptoms like dizziness, headaches, and anxiety that made it difficult for him to function
• Balson spent over £2,000 trying to get diagnosed and treated, seeing multiple doctors, but nothing seemed to help
• His mental health deteriorated to the point of suicidal thoughts and attempts

[02] Vestibular Migraine Diagnosis and Treatment

1. What is vestibular migraine and how was Balson diagnosed?

• Vestibular migraine is a complex disorder where the brain's neural networks for balance and vision become dysregulated, causing vertigo, dizziness, and loss of balance
• It took Balson about 2 months to get a diagnosis from a private specialist, Dr. Shanmuga Surenthiran, who recognized stress as a major trigger
• On average, it takes 4 years for patients to get a vestibular migraine diagnosis

2. What are the treatment options for vestibular migraine?

• Treatments include migraine-preventative medications, anti-CGRP blocker injections, and Botox therapy
• Lifestyle changes like healthy eating, regular exercise, and workplace adjustments can also help manage symptoms
• With proper treatment, many patients are able to overcome vestibular migraines and lead normal lives

[03] Ethical Issues in the True Crime TV Industry

1. What are some of the ethical concerns raised about the true crime TV genre?

• The shows can be exploitative and insensitive towards victims and their families
• Production companies often prioritize sensationalism and "glossy murder" over respectful storytelling
• Freelance producers like Balson struggled with the ethical dilemmas of their work, feeling guilt over the dark subject matter

2. How does the industry's work culture contribute to mental health issues?

• Freelancers face intense pressure to deliver, with unreasonable workloads and demands from broadcasters
• There is a lack of consistent mental health support and safeguarding measures across production companies
• Freelancers fear being blacklisted if they are perceived as difficult, leading to burnout and trauma

[04] Systemic Failures and Balson's Tragic Outcome

1. How did the NHS fail to provide adequate care for Balson?

• Balson was repeatedly dismissed or given inadequate treatment by NHS doctors, despite his worsening condition
• When he became suicidal, the NHS mental health services were unable to admit him or provide the necessary support
• His family's attempts to get him more help were unsuccessful, leading to his tragic death by suicide

2. What has been the industry's response to Balson's death?

• The Association of True Crime Producers held an emergency meeting, and Channel 4 has ordered an external investigation
• A new UK Film and TV Welfare Association is being launched to establish best practices for staff and contributor welfare
• Balson's family hopes his story will raise awareness about vestibular migraines, NHS underfunding, and the need for better mental health support in the industry