BBC to cut pay of top stars

Published on Wednesday 10 June 2009 22:02

TOP BBC stars were called to a meeting during which they were warned to expect wage cuts, it has been disclosed.

Jeremy Clarkson and Sir Terry Wogan were reportedly among about 100 famous faces at Monday's gathering with executives at Television Centre in London. It was reported that those on screen or behind a microphone earning more than 100,000 a year faced a pay cut of 25 per cent when their contracts were renegotiated. It was also claimed that for some highly paid stars, the salary reduction could be as much as 40 per cent.

The meeting follows recent speculation that Jonathan Ross's earnings were set to be cut if and when he signed a further deal with the corporation. Ross, who is believed to earn 6 million a year, was not thought to have been present at the meeting.

The corporation's director-general, Mark Thompson, addressed the celebrities on a range of topics.

A BBC spokesman said: "No organisation is immune from the economic climate, and we have to find substantial savings.

"Talent fees are not excluded from the economic pressures faced across the organisation, and these will be reflected in our ongoing negotiations. This was an internal event as part of our ongoing dialogue with the artists and presenters who work for us."

The BBC would not comment on individuals' contracts. In an interview last month, Mr Thompson said: "We will reduce the total amount we spend on top talent, and have already agreed some new contracts for less than we have paid in the past."

The recession-hit market for "talent fees" has changed, with commercial broadcasters also thought to be offering less money than before.

The BBC is making efficiency savings totalling 1.9 billion over the licence fee period. It now has to find a further 400m of "painful" cuts.

An unnamed celebrity said: "I thought we were going in for a sociable glass of wine and canapes, but instead there was this very grim meeting. No-one was left in any doubt what they were getting at."