The BBC has released a report revealing the amount paid to its biggest stars, but the salaries have sparked outrage among Express.co.uk readers with a new poll finding that a staggering 99 percent think the public broadcaster’s presenters are overpaid.
Match of the Day host Gary Lineker was the highest-paid star for the sixth year in a row with a salary of £1,350,000-£1,354,999.
Zoe Ball was the highest-paid radio star and female presenter with a salary of £980,000-£984,999 for presenting Radio 2’s Breakfast Show.
Other presenters at the top of the list include Match of the Day host Alan Shearer, news anchor Huw Edwards, radio host Stephen Nolan and Question Time presenter Fiona Bruce.
The corporation has been required to publish an annual report by the Government since 2017, detailing those who earn more than £150,000.
In response, Express.co.uk ran a poll from midday on Wednesday, July 12, to 12.30pm on Friday, July 14, asking readers: “Are BBC presenters overpaid?”
Overall, 6,339 votes were cast with a landslide 99 percent (6,280 people) answering “yes, they are overpaid”. While 34 people said “no, they are not overpaid” and 14 people responded “they should be paid more”. A further 11 people said they did not know.
Hundreds of comments were left below the accompanying article as readers shared their thoughts on the salaries.
The predominant view shared by readers was that BBC presenters are overpaid, with username Caribidus writing: “Yes they get paid too much, they certainly don’t earn it.”
Similarly, username oldscunner commented: “They are all grossly overpaid, none should earn over £100k a year.”
Another, username Patriot4, remarked: “They should pay back some of their wages to the licence payers. Absolutely every one of them is vastly overpaid.”
And username roadrunner58 added: “Obscene amount of money to be paid when families are really struggling.”
Follow Daily Express on Threads for all the latest news
While a minority of readers thought that their salaries were fair, with username andosmates commenting that they are “worth every penny”.
Username Strong like bull argued: “Gary [Lineker] is actually severely underpaid for what he brings to the table. Could earn a lot more elsewhere. Best in the business in my opinion and worth a pay rise if anything.”
And username moodygreen also pointed out: “I can’t see how they can be overpaid as they seem to be able to move to ITV or Channel 5 for higher pay.”
Tim Davie, director-general of the BBC, earnt £525,000 – £529,000 in the last financial year. He said: “It remains a period of change, financial pressures and great competition in the media market. Our task is not always easy and we have to make some difficult choices.
“But these are challenges we must embrace as we know that the BBC is needed now more than ever, in an age of polarisation and increasing disinformation.”
