Worth their fortune

SIR – I have no objection to talented BBC presenters and others being paid large salaries. They have, after all, reached the top of their profession and deserve to be well-remunerated.

No doubt there will be commentators who complain that some employees earn “far more than the Prime Minister”. My reaction would be that the Prime Minister deserves to be paid much more, not that BBC staff deserve less.

Also, these “overpaid” people make less in a year than some footballers earn in a week or two. So let us keep a sense of perspective. Robin Nonhebel

Swanage, Dorset

SIR – Charles Moore’s experience of the BBC’S meagre payments to its guests (Comment, July 17) reminded me that some years ago I was invited by BBC Radio Surrey to host a Friday evening phone-in show as an agony uncle for people with sexual problems.

I drove to Guildford every week and spent an hour answering listeners’ questions. After four weeks I politely inquired about my fee and travel expenses.

“Oh,” said the producer. “We can’t pay you anything. We thought you just enjoyed doing it.” Graham Masterton

Tadworth, Surrey