Anita Rani ‘disappointed’ by race and class gap in BBC pay list row
Countryfile star Anita Rani has said the pay gap at the BBC is as much about race and class as it is about gender.
The TV presenter said it was “disappointing” to see the pay disparity on paper when the BBC’S annual report revealed the highest paid stars.
She told media: “I think it’s difficult for everybody but, for me, as much as it’s about gender I think it’s about race and it’s about class so I think there is a lot of be sorted out and I think this is the beginning of a big shift and a change, which is a good thing.”
Asked if the revelations were as she expected, Rani said: “Knowing something intellectually and seeing it on paper are always two very different things, it was disappointing.”
Matt Baker was the only member of the show’s lineup to appear on the list of talent earning more than £150,000, due to his other presenting roles on The One Show.
Speaking on the first day of Countryfile Live, which features live arena shows, hands-on activities and animal displays, and which attracted 125,000 people last year, Rani said she hopes to continue working on the show for as long as possible.
Rani added: “I feel very much part of the family now and it’s been on TV for so long, it’s so nice to be part of it.”