BBC hit by staff backlash over ‘obscene’ celeb pay
ANGRY BBC staff say “obscene” salaries given to the broadcaster’s top stars “give the whole corporation a bad name”.
Bosses released the pay details of its top talent this week, with Gary Lineker revealed to be earning £1.36million and Zoe Ball on £980,000 – despite both taking a pay cut.
BBC News correspondent and Radio 4 presenter Sangita Myska took issue with Zoe’s salary.
In a series of now-deleted tweets, she said: “Can you imagine earning so much that you can volunteer to take a £380,000 pay cut? I’m deeply concerned that the pay differentials are so vast that they give the public completely the wrong impression of what the vast majority of us earn. It gives the whole corporation a bad name. I’ve never been allowed to negotiate. Most staff I know get what they’re given.” Other staff were said to believe the salaries of top stars such as news anchor Huw Edwards on £430,000 are “obscene”.
One unnamed BBC journalist said: “There is a massive disparity between the so-called top talent and the rank and file journalists working all hours behind the scenes.
“It’s great that cuts have been made at the top. But it’s disgusting the level of pay that still exists and isn’t shared around more.”
BBC sources have previously pointed out that stars can make more on commercial channels such as ITV.
The corporation recently saw both Chris Evans and Graham Norton leave Radio 2 to joinVirgin.
Many BBC stars have taken cuts, saving the broadcaster 10 per cent on its bill for key presenters. Lineker’s pay was reduced by 23 per cent, although he’s still the top earner while Zoe’s pay fell further, by 28 per cent.
A BBC News spokesman said of Sangita: “This tweet has now been deleted and the staff member has been reminded of the social media guidelines and her responsibilities.”