Esther Rantzen, the presenter and producer of the popular television programme That's Life!, played a significant role in addressing serious societal issues during her career. One notable instance involved a three-month investigation by That's Life! into allegations of widespread sexual abuse by teachers at a boys' boarding school. This investigation resulted in the school's closure less than two weeks after the feature aired.
Following her work on child abuse issues through That's Life!, Rantzen established Childline in 1986. This initiative became the first national helpline dedicated to supporting children in danger or distress. According to the NSPCC, Childline has provided assistance to six million children since its inception.
Beyond child welfare, That's Life! also engaged in other impactful campaigns. In 1984, the show used a story about a two-year-old boy needing a liver transplant to advocate for more widespread organ donation. This campaign was effective, with Members of Parliament noting in 1988 that it had directly contributed to a significant increase in the number of transplants.