Michael, the law took these offences seriously, but I don't think society, or at least the younger generation, did. Groupies were regarded as part of the scene, and a perk of being what we now call a celebrity. I suspect that many of those around Savile may have been a bit uncomfortable at the young age of some of the girls but wouldn't have regarded it in the same light as we do today. Especially as crowds of girls were throwing themselves at the celebrities, although as I said before in most cases probably without a full understanding of the possible consequences.

Of course, the question is how many older and wiser heads at the BBC were aware, and whether it was a matter of a blind eye being turned or the matter just not being taken seriously. The other question is why didn't it come to light as the pendulum of public opinion swung the other way? Savile seems to have been careful to cover his tracks and whilst there were rumours and allegations there seems to have been little hard evidence - unlike Gary Glitter, who got careless.