The government is prepared to force the entertainment industry to improve safeguarding practices unless rapid change is introduced, BBC Newsnight has learned.
An investigation by the Guardian and ITV News alleged that entertainer David Walliams had been accused by several women of sexual misconduct and abusing his position, which he denies.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy will tell a meeting of industry leaders next week that if their response to recent allegations is not robust enough, she is prepared to force participation in the industry body to protect whistleblowers, the BBC understands.
Participation in the Creative Industries Independent Standards Authority (CIISA) is currently voluntary.
Nandy said earlier this week that she was summoning leaders from the broadcasting, publishing, film and entertainment industries to "draw a line" in the sand.
The announcement came after the publication of allegations against Walliams, as well as the sentencing of disgraced entertainer Russell Brand on charges of rape and sexual assault.
The allegations against Walliams were made as a part of a joint three-year investigation by the Guardian and ITV News, which was published after the entertainer lost a legal bid to stop the claims against him being made public. Walliams denies all the allegations against him.
BBC Newsnight understands that the culture secretary will deliver two messages at next week's round table meeting.
