MPs want to see BBC talent pay packets revealed

BBC stars who earn more than the prime minister should be forced to publish their salaries, an influential group of MPs has said.

The Commons Culture, Media and Sport Committee said there is “no good reason” for performers, presenters and executives to “hide” their pay if they earn more than the PM.

Acting committee chairman Damian Collins said it is “disingenuous” for the BBC to claim the confidentiality prevents talent poaching by rival channels.

He also said there is no reason why the Government’s plans for a new royal charter set the threshold for talent at £450,000, higher than that for executives.

Publishing a report on the proposals set out in the Government’s BBC White Paper, Mr Collins said: “On the question of pay, the point is that all these salaries are paid by the licence fee payer, whether they are for broadcasters or BBC executives.

“Why should there be different rules for each? It’s disingenuous to say confidentiality is needed to prevent poaching when in general everyone in the industry knows what everyone else is getting paid.”

“The threshold should be the same for both executives and talent, the salary of anyone getting paid more than the prime minister should be published.”

The committee also recommended the BBC sets up a “Scottish Six” news programme, anchored and broadcast from the country and with a running order of Scottish, UK and international stories.