Today BBC Director General Tim Davie appeared before a House of Lords committee, where he said a review of how the BBC handled complaints made against Huw Edwards is taking place.
During the committee session, Lord Young took Davie to task over the various salaries of stars under the BBC’s employ – and made a dig at former BBC presenter Jeremy Clarkson.
He claimed the BBC pays large salaries for talent, using Match of the Day presenter Gary Lineker as an example.
The BBC’s annual report, which was published just last week, showed Lineker had been paid £1.35m in the last financial year.
“Now, however good he is, he actually isn’t the asset,” Lord Young insisted.
“The asset is Match of the Day. I could sell Match of the Day anywhere,” he continued.
After naming Lineker, Lord Young took aim at Clarkson following his controversial departure from the BBC.
“People think they’re indispensable,” Lord Young said.
“Jeremy Clarkson thought he was indispensable, but they’re not, Top Gear goes on.”
The Clarkson’s Farm star was axed from Top Gear, following 13 successful years on the show, after he punched producer Oisin Tymon back in 2015.
Lord Young continued: “When you’re being scrutinised, it’s really time you took a long hard look at paying such extraordinary rates, when there is extraordinary talent out there who would do it for a much lower cost.”
Davie then replied: “I think overall we’ve done a good job bringing talent pay down, putting pressure on talent and senior pay.
“I actually don’t agree that anyone can do this. I think broadcasters, someone who has played for England, is of immense value to us.”
Some of the BBC’s highest-paid stars also include Zoe Ball, Alan Shearer, Fiona Bruce and Greg James.
Davie has said today that investigations into Edwards could take months.
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