News presenter admits pay inequality pervasive at ITN

A CO-HOST of Channel 4’s news programme has claimed that a gender pay gap at ITN of almost one fifth shows just how “pervasive” inequality is.

ITN yesterday revealed that it has a 19.6 per cent gender pay gap.

The media company, which makes daily news programmes for ITV, Channel 4 and Channel 5, also announced a bonus gap of 77.2 per cent.

It compares with a report on BBC staff which found the equivalent gender pay gap was 10.7 per cent. ITN said the gap was “mainly caused by there being fewer women than men in many of the most senior roles in the company”.

Cathy Newman, who co-hosts Channel 4 news, tweeted: “ITN has 19.6 per cent gender pay gap and staggering 77 per cent bonus gap. “Shows just how pervasive inequality is. I’m very fortunate to be fairly paid but I will continue speaking out for the many colleagues who aren’t.”

ITN’s report pledged to achieve “equal representation between men and women at every level of seniority”.

The gender pay gap has been in the headlines since the salaries of top BBC stars were revealed.

Radio 2’s Chris Evans topped the list on more than £2m.

Meanwhile, the highest paid woman was Claudia Winkleman on between £450,000 and £499,999.

The BBC’s former China editor Carrie Gracie resigned from her role in protest at inequalities.