BBC Annual Report Reveals Top Salaries

The BBC's latest annual report reveals Gary Lineker as the highest-paid star for the seventh consecutive year with a salary of £1.35 million, followed by Zoe Ball at £950,000. Huw Edwards, who was suspended and subsequently resigned over a scandal, received a pay increase to £475,000 despite being off-air since July 2023. Many high-profile BBC personalities, such as Claudia Winkleman and Michael McIntyre, do not appear on the list due to a loophole that excludes those paid through production companies or BBC Studios. This has sparked calls from MPs like Lee Anderson to scrap the licence fee, criticizing the BBC for its 'mafia-esque' funding system and advocating for a subscription-based model. BBC Director General Tim Davie defended the handling of Edwards' pay during his suspension, emphasizing the need for proportional and fair action.