BBC's Hidden Stars: Big Names Missing from Salary List

The BBC's annual report is out, revealing the usual suspects topping the star salaries list, like Gary Lineker and Zoe Ball. However, a significant number of big-name presenters, likely earning more than those on the list, remain hidden due to a loophole in the disclosure rules.

The BBC is not required to disclose salaries of talent paid through production companies, a rule designed to level the playing field for BBC Studios in the commercial market. This means popular hosts like Michael McIntyre, Bradley Walsh, Alex Jones, and Graham Norton, who helm some of the BBC's biggest shows, escape public scrutiny.

The list also excludes hosts of popular shows like "Strictly Come Dancing," with Tess Daly, Craig Revel Horwood, Shirley Ballas, Motsi Mabuse, and Anton Du Beke all missing. Similarly, stars from popular soaps and dramas like "Doctor Who," "Casualty," "EastEnders," and "Call The Midwife" are not included.

The BBC has been disclosing salaries of talent and executives earning above a certain threshold since 2017, following a parliamentary mandate. However, stars paid through production companies, including BBC Studios, remain exempt.

While their salaries aren't public, it's safe to assume that stars like Michael McIntyre, who hosts both "The Wheel" and "Michael McIntyre's Big Show," would be among the highest earners. Similarly, Bradley Walsh, known for both ITV's "The Chase" and BBC shows like "Blankety Blank" and "Gladiators," would likely be near the top.

Other names likely to be high earners include Alexander Armstrong, presenter of hundreds of episodes of "Pointless," Richard Osman, host of "House of Games" and "Pointless Celebrities," and quiz show hosts Ross Kemp, Sandi Toksvig, and Victoria Coren-Mitchell.

Even Romesh Ranganathan, host of several BBC shows including documentaries and "The Weakest Link," is absent from the list.

Other missing big names include Paddy McGuinness, known for shows like "Top Gear," "Catchpoint," and "I Can See Your Voice," and Later host Jools Holland.

Some presenters are listed only for part of their BBC work. Amol Rajan, for example, is included for his role on Radio 4's "Today" but not for presenting "University Challenge." Similarly, Evan Davis appears for "Radio 4's PM" but not for "Dragons' Den." Notably, none of the Dragons, including Steven Bartlett and Deborah Meaden, are on the list.

Fiona Bruce, another news presenter, is listed for "Question Time" and news bulletins but not for "Antiques Road Show," while Clive Myrie is included for his newsreading work but not for hosting "Mastermind" or his travel documentaries.

This pattern reflects the BBC's inclusion of news presenters for their journalistic and radio work while excluding their TV entertainment programmes.

The BBC's argument for excluding salaries paid through production companies is that BBC Studios is a commercial organization competing with other broadcasters. This argument was successful in convincing the government to exempt BBC Studios' salaries from disclosure.

However, the lack of transparency regarding these salaries remains controversial. Critics argue that the BBC's public funding through the licence fee necessitates transparency in how the money is being used.

While the current situation is unlikely to change, the BBC's hidden star salaries continue to raise questions about transparency and public accountability. As long as the loophole persists, Gary Lineker and Zoe Ball will likely remain the public face of BBC salaries, leaving the true picture hidden behind a curtain of production company contracts.