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The National
13 hours ago
- Politics
- The National
BBC bias may well be unspoken but it exists
The Prof's dogged determination yesterday showed what can happen when an easy listening Radio Scotland programme ambles into a serious subject with a formidable contributor ready to stand his ground. He was determined to point out that 'fringe' causes like independence and Gaza are now mostly majority causes, yet casually placed way below the 'mainstream' concerns of the great and good in broadcasting's pecking order. Richard spoke about the preponderance of business over trade union voices on the BBC, the insidious presence of right-wing Tufton Street think tank types on Question Time and Debate Night … and the unfair way his own interview was being conducted. READ MORE: Richard Murphy: I went on the BBC today. Here's why it got fiery For that he got it in the neck. And gave back as good as he got. Yesterday's Mornings phone-in was about bias, bad judgement at the BBC and a decline in trust amongst viewers and listeners. Savaging the sole pro-indy, left-wing voice substantiated the accusations rather well. To be fair, Richard was asked on. I was too but didn't pick up the message till halfway through the show. So, it's true the left/indy position was sought out and 'heard'. But that's not enough. It's one thing to have a sole voice representing the Yes 'minority' (which as Richard pointed out, is a polling majority these days), it's quite another to be interrupted throughout like an annoying, foot-stamping, attention-grabbing, irritating toddler. From her tone, I'm not sure presenter Connie McLaughlin knew Richard's background beyond him being a National columnist (though strangely the paper's name was omitted from his description). For the record, Professor Richard Murphy from Sheffield University co-founded the Tax Justice Network and directs Tax Research UK. He co-created the Green New Deal and the concept of country-by-country reporting, used in more than 90 countries to identify tax abuse by multinational corporations. Not a guy to be shut down. And anyway, from 25 years' experience of live broadcasting at the BBC and Channel 4, it's totally counter-productive to interrupt or shut down a speaker accusing you of bias. Flexing the extra muscle wielded by a broadcaster flips the audience instantly onto the interviewee's side. The transcript of the exchange has done the rounds but the nub of the exchange was this: Richard: Let's just be clear. I've heard a programme which is entirely about how good the BBC is from BBC editors and producers. That is bias. Connie: Have you not been speaking for the past eight minutes or so? Because I don't think then that's accurate. Richard: Yes, and every time I do, you interrupt me. Connie: Come on. Richard, that's not fair. Come on. Listen, I'm going to give you a minute and a half, but I have got to move on. That's part of my job, so you can continue on for a minute and a half. There you go. Richard: You aren't rationing others… Connie: You're eating into your minute and a half … Richard: The BBC is biased against the nationalist cause in Scotland. It is biased against the Palestinian cause and its right to have a state. It is biased in favour of Israel very clearly. It is biased with regard to its output in favour of the wealthy of this country. And that is the accusation that most people in this country have against the BBC, which is why they won't listen to it, because they do not get objective reporting. Wow. It was powerful listening because bias was being demonstrated not just discussed. And because another contributor, former BBC Scotland political correspondent Brian Taylor, was correctly asked to respond. He insisted he'd never been asked by the BBC to tailor a report to fit an agenda dictated by managers. He observed Unionists also complained of BBC bias and finished: 'The Beeb did not steer me for one scintilla of one second.' Actually, that was my experience too – it doesn't mean management bias didn't exist. IN my 25 years working for the BBC, I only experienced one active steer by London in 1997, after Scots had voted out every Tory MP, meaning Her Madge's Opposition at Westminster would have no representation in any Scottish election programmes if we played it by the usual book. READ MORE: Half of Aberdeen homes fall in value as 'oil capital' status diminishes No MPs should mean no microphone. But London insisted the Tory voice should be heard despite their election wipe-out and that they should be the second speaker in any political discussion. I decided I didn't get that memo but did let Tories speak, for the same limited time as every other minority party. No-one complained. But the bigger point is that no-one gets to broadcast for the BBC without internalising its collective outlook and corporate stance. Things that deviate too far from a comfortable, middle-of-the-road stance simply feel wrong. No-one has to say anything. Especially after the BBC's clash with Tony Blair during the Iraq War over the 'dodgy dossier', when popular director-general Greg Dyke was forced to walk the plank. After that Auntie shrank from any confrontation with government and the higher echelons of the BBC and the Tory Party became interchangeable. The corporation's timorousness and insistence on the most wooden version of 'balance' were palpable to all staff. Take the indyref. I got a call from a producer in 2014 explaining that BBC Scotland couldn't cover the phenomenal increase in Yes activity unless there was some grassroots No activity they could film as well. Did I know of any? Control by unspoken diktat is how all corporate culture works everywhere. Nothing needs to be said. But back to the programme. Clearly, producers imagined much of their discussion would centre on the Beeb's decision to sack MasterChef presenters Gregg Wallace for alleged sexual harassment and John Torode for an alleged racist remark, and to allow a 13-year-old Palestinian lad to accurately describe the living hell of Gaza, where his dad has worked for Gaza's Hamas-run government. A BBC review into the documentary Gaza: How To Survive A Warzone concluded there was nothing 'in the narrator's scripted contribution to the programme that breached the BBC's standards' or evidence his 'father or family influenced the content of the programme'. Abdullah's parentage was a relatively small problem which could easily have been signposted, letting viewers decide on his story for themselves. READ MORE: Former top judge says court would 'likely' rule Israel is committing genocide in Gaza But oh no. The BBC removed the documentary from iPlayer. As ex-BBC journalist Karishma Patel asked: 'If the BBC is serious about signposting the relevant connections of every contributor, why not tell us when an interviewee has served in the Israeli military? Why not highlight the ICC arrest warrant out for Benjamin Netanyahu whenever he's mentioned?' Indeed. And while we're at it, what was the problem with Gaza: Doctors Under Attack – another excellent, disturbing, passionate documentary dropped by the BBC in case it did 'not meet the high standards' of impartiality – even though subsequently broadcast by Channel 4 without any formal complaints. Roger Bolton – former Radio 4 presenter told MacLaughlin that the biggest danger to the BBC is its 'on the one hand, on the other' style of reporting. 'When facts dictate the truth of one side,' he said, 'the Beeb should take a stand.' Correct. But he went on to praise the BBC as great value, 'costing less than a cappuccino a week'. Whit? This very comparison presumes a middle-class audience – when in fact, women account for three-quarters of criminal convictions for watching TV without a licence. Why? According to a BBC-commissioned report it's because women are more likely to head single-parent households; more likely to be in when an inspector visits and more likely to be living in poverty or low-paid work and struggling with bills. £174.50 is a lot for many people yet non-payment is treated as a criminal offence, unlike any other unpaid household bill. This is Auntie's biggest problem. It is so very special. A bit like M&S food. It does not just produce programmes. It produces BBC programmes. Unashamedly targeting middle to upper-class consumers may work for a private company. But not for a public service broadcaster. Some views, voices and causes are quite plainly the wrong leaves on the line for BBC Scotland. What's needed is a heartfelt apology to Richard Murphy. No-one's holding their breath.
Scottish Sun
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
From Stacey Solomon to Michael McIntyre, the real BBC rich list as earnings of stars the Beeb DON'T report are revealed
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) MEGA-EARNERS Gary Lineker and Zoe Ball have topped the BBC's salary league for another year with £1.35million and £515,000 in their respective pay packets. But if you were staggered by the amounts earned by the Beeb's big names then prepare for your jaw to drop at the REAL rich list behind the Corporation. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 19 Gary Lineker and Zoe Ball have topped the BBC's salary league for another year Credit: Getty This week a raft of salaries were revealed as part of the BBC's annual report. Other big earners included footie pundit Alan Shearer's £440,000, Radio 1 breakfast DJ Greg James on £425,000 and Question Time host Fiona Bruce taking home £410,000. But several stars at the helm of some of its biggest shows were conspicuous by their absence. That is because BBC Studios, which is the commercial arm of the Corporation, does not have to release the salaries of its own stars. And many BBC names make money outside of the Corporation through production companies and side hustles as brand ambassadors. But it is possible to estimate the real riches of the Beeb's top talent through the filings of their limited firms which are registered and available to view at Companies House. Here, Deputy TV Editor Felicity Cross looks into the businesses behind some of the most well-known faces on telly to determine how much they are raking in. STACEY SOLOMON £7,354,499 19 Stacey Solomon has become a big hitter for the BBC, with her lifestyle show Sort Your Life Out Credit: Getty Stacey Solomon reveals she re-purposed her wedding dress for TV BAFTAs in thrifty tip STACEY has become a big hitter for the BBC, with her lifestyle show Sort Your Life Out bagging an NTA award for Most Popular Factual Entertainment Programme in 2024 as well as a Bafta TV nomination this year, too. She and husband Joe Swash also star in their own reality series, Stacey & Joe. It's a huge platform for the former X Factor contestant and offers endless brand opportunities – meaning a boost of £3million in the last year. MICHAEL MCINTYRE £5,777,098 19 The Wheel and Michael McIntyre's Big Show are the BBC's golden gooses Credit: BBC THE comedian is Mister BBC, with almost all his shows airing on the broadcaster. He also did a sold-out nationwide tour last year. But the man who was the highest-grossing stand-up comic in the world in 2012 has made a huge amount by setting up his own production firm, Hungry McBear, with TV producer pal Dan Baldwin. The Wheel and Michael McIntyre's Big Show are the firm's golden gooses. And by our estimates, they will have helped Michael rake in more than £3million in profit last year. £3,702,235 19 Richard Osman made his name as the creator and co-host of popular quiz Pointless Credit: Getty RICHARD became a BBC name as the creator and co-host of popular quiz Pointless, then continued his success with House Of Games. But he has also presented everything from Have I Got News For You to The One Show. Aside from his Beeb work, Richard's wealth comes from his bestseller Thursday Murder Club novels and podcasts. It all adds up to a profit of £2,7million last year. JOOLS HOLLAND £3,333,446 19 Jools Holland has been at the heart of the BBC's music shows since 1992 when Later . . . With Jools Holland began Credit: Getty THE accounts for Jools' firm do not show a reserve figure, but his profits are strong. He has been at the heart of the BBC's music shows since 1992 when Later . . . With Jools Holland began. The ivory tinkler runs a number of profitable tours with his 19-piece Rhythm & Blues Orchestra. He also has a partnership with Saga Cruises which includes the 'Club by Jools' restaurant and bar on a cruise ship. LOUIS THEROUX £2,883,786 19 Louis is a big name at the BBC with his firm's Boybands Forever aired on BBC Two Credit: Getty DESPITE setting up shop with his own production firm Mindhouse – with not all its shows ending up on the BBC – Louis is still a big name for the Corporation. His firm's Boybands Forever aired on BBC Two at the end of last year, helping towards a £1.7million profit for Louis and a boost to his reserves of nearly £1million overall. GRAHAM NORTON £2,774,145 19 Graham has been a pillar of the Beeb since 2001 Credit: Getty SINCE 2001 when he hosted Comic Relief, Graham has been a pillar of the Beeb. The Eurovision host has his own long-running chat show on BBC One and used to have a spot on Radio 2. Accounts for his production firm So Television are complex, but it looks like he added £500,000 between 2022 and 2023. CLAUDIA WINKLEMAN £1,575,279 19 Claudia Winkleman hosts two of the BBC's biggest shows: Strictly Come Dancing and The Traitors Credit: Getty THE BBC queen reigns over its two biggest shows: Strictly Come Dancing and murder- mystery show The Traitors. It has helped boost her firm's reserves to £528.000 year on year, and made a profit of £886,000. Claudia's profile has skyrocketed since The Traitors became a runaway hit in 2022, with brands like Garnier clamouring to work with her. PETE TONG £1,451,810 19 Pete Tong is one of the BBC's best-known DJs Credit: Getty IT'S all gone very well for DJ Tong, who began hosting Friday night dance show Essential Selection on Radio 1 in 1991. He still has two weekly slots on the station and is one of the BBC's best-known DJs. His firm Alchemist Media Ltd saw its reserves rise by £663,648 in the year ending December 31, 2023 – with a profit of £724,876. RYLAN CLARK £1,447,866 19 Rylan Clark has a show on Radio 2 and an integral role in its Eurovision coverage Credit: Getty FROM The X Factor and Celebrity Big Brother to a household name, Rylan has quietly become big business. He's firmly established at the BBC too, with a show on Radio 2 and an integral role in its Eurovision coverage. With Rob Rinder, he won the Corporation a Bafta TV award for his Grand Tour travel show. £1,242,377 19 Shirley Ballas became head judge on Strictly Come Dancing in 2017 Credit: Getty SHIRLEY waltzed straight into the role of head judge on Strictly Come Dancing in 2017. And she's dancing all the way to the bank thanks to her earnings from the BBC One show, books and other ventures, which are channelled into her firm. Its reserves shot up by £349,280 in accounts covering the 12 months to March 31, with £611,372 profit. £751,574 19 Motsi Mabuse saw a boost of £241k last year to her reserves Credit: Getty LIKE other long-running Strictly Come Dancing stars, Motsi has banked big thanks to the show. She saw a boost of £241k last year to her reserves and also makes a mint through her dance academies in Germany. ANTON DU BEKE £638,391 19 Since his promotion on Strictly from dancer to judge, Anton Du Beke's bottom line has soared. Credit: Getty SINCE his promotion on Strictly from dancer to judge, Anton's bottom line has soared. His reserves rose £260,000 last year as he broadened his business interests, including a live tour with dancer Giovanni Pernice and a string of books. …AND THREE THE BBC WOULD RATHER STAY HIDDEN… WYNNE EVANS £734,830, Wynne Evans Ltd 19 Wynne Evans previously hosted a show on BBC Radio Wales. Credit: Rex BEFORE he was axed after a sexual remark row on Strictly Come Dancing, Go Compare opera singer Wynne hosted a show on BBC Radio Wales. GREGG WALLACE £24,830 Lobster Enterprises 19 Gregg Wallace was sacked last week by the Beeb for gross misconduct on MasterChef Credit: Getty THE firm of shamed Wallace – sacked last week by the Beeb for gross misconduct on MasterChef – is down £8,120 on the previous year, accounts show. JOHN TORODE £47,351, Caspar 10 Ltd 19 John Torode was fired from MasterChef yesterday Credit: Getty ACCOUNTS filed yesterday – the day BBC chiefs announced he had been fired from MasterChef – show his reserves rose by some £40k year on year. OTHERS MANY of the BBC's biggest names do not file their accounts through limited companies so it is tricky to estimate their wealth. They include Romesh Ranganathan, who has two production firms, and Tess Daly, who has one with husband Vernon Kay. 19 Tess Daly has a production company with husband Vernon Kay Credit: Getty 19 Romesh Ranganathan has two production firms Credit: Getty 19 Clare Balding does not have a UK company for her profits Credit: Getty Rob Brydon, David Mitchell, Gabby Logan, Clare Balding, Kelly Cates and Craig Revel Horwood have no UK company for their profits. Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme - Sun Club.
Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
BBC Breakfast's Naga Munchetty earns almost double co-host Charlie Stayt's pay
The BBC's annual report has confirmed the salaries of its biggest stars, with Naga Munchetty receiving a pay rise The BBC's annual salary report has revealed that Naga Munchetty earns almost double her co-host Charlie Stayt's pay. Charlie and Naga present BBC Breakfast from Thursday to Saturday morning, while Jon Kay and Sally Nugent take the helm from Monday to Wednesday. Charlie, aged 63, has stayed within the £190,000 salary band, whereas Naga, aged 50, has enjoyed a £10,000 increase to her earnings, moving from £345,000 to £355,000. Naga, who has presented on the flagship news programme since 2014, has always been paid more than Charlie. Her pay packet accounts for 180 days of presenting on BBC Breakfast, as well as her Radio 5 Live programme and election coverage, reports the Express. Naga occupies the tenth position on the list of the BBC's top earners. Gary Lineker continues to hold the number one spot for the eighth consecutive year, despite having left the broadcaster earlier in the year. The 64-year-old remained in the £1,350,000 to £1,354,999 bracket for 2024-2025. Meanwhile, BBC Radio 2 presenter Zoe Ball, 54, continued as the BBC's second highest earner. She now falls into the £515,000 - £519,999 category, a significant decrease from the £950,000 she earned in 2023-2024. Gary Lineker's former Match of the Day co-star Alan Shearer holds the third position with £440,000, while radio presenter Greg James is hot on his heels with £425,000. They both received pay increases since last year's figures were published. Question Time and Antiques Roadshow host Fiona Bruce and presenter Nick Robinson are both in fifth place with £410,000. They are followed by Northern Irish presenter Stephen Nolan, who brought in £405,000. Political reporter Laura Kuenssberg finished seventh on the list with £395,000, followed by Vernon Kay with £390,000, and Justin Webb with £365,000. Other big names such as Michael McIntyre and Claudia Winkleman were absent from the list as the BBC does not have to reveal the salaries of stars who are paid through production companies like BBC Studios, which is categorised as a commercial entity.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Fiona Bruce & Nick Robinson Become Highest-Paid BBC News Presenters After Huw Edwards' Exit
BBC News has two new highest-paid presenters after Huw Edwards exited in ignominy last year. Fiona Bruce and Nick Robinson both earned as much as £415,000 ($558,000) in the year to March 2025, according to the BBC's annual report. More from Deadline After Numerous Scandals, BBC Boss Tim Davie Says He's Had A "Tough Period" But Is Going Nowhere: "This Job Is Not One You Take If You Want A Quiet Life" 'MasterChef' Is "Much Bigger Than Individuals," Says BBC Boss In Wake Of Gregg Wallace Exit BBC License Fee Income Hits Record High Match of the Day host Gary Lineker was the BBC's best-paid presenter overall for the eighth consecutive year, taking home £1.35M. It will be the last time he tops the list after stepping down in recent weeks. Robinson, who fronts Radio 4's Today show, received a £65,000 pay increase thanks to his work on the UK general election, during which he interviewed leaders including Keir Starmer. Bruce, who presents BBC News bulletins and Question Time, took home a £5,000 bump in salary over the period covered by the annual report. Although they have replaced Edwards at the top of the BBC News money tree, neither pocketed as much as the former presenter did last year. Edwards earned as much as £440,000 before he resigned and later pleaded guilty to accessing child abuse images. The BBC has made unsuccessful attempts to claw back some of this cash. There were pay rises for many journalists following a seismic year of news in 2024, including the U.S. presidential election. Laura Kuenssberg received a £70,000 raise, taking her total pay to as much as £400,000. Americast host Justin Webb got a £45,000 bump, meaning he pocketed as much as £370,000. Football presenters Alan Shearer and Mark Chapman both benefited from salary gains of at least £60,000 because of UEFA Euro 2024. Below is a table of the BBC's 20 highest-paid presenters: Gary Lineker Match of the Day £1,350,000 – £1,354,999 Zoe Ball BBC Radio 2 £515,000 – £519,999 Alan Shearer Match of the Day £440,000 – £444,999 Greg James BBC Radio 1 £425,000 – £429,999 Nick Robinson Today £410,000 – £414,999 Fiona Bruce Question Time £410,000 – £414,999 Stephen Nolan Radio Ulster / BBC One (NI) / Radio 5 live £405,000 – £409,999 Laura Kuenssberg Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg £395,000 – £399,999 Vernon Kay BBC Radio 2 £390,000 – £394,999 Justin Webb Today £365,000 – £369,999 Scott Mills BBC Radio 2 £355,000 – £359,999 Naga Munchetty Radio & TV £355,000 – £359,999 Sophie Raworth BBC News at Six and Ten £350,000 – £354,999 Clive Myrie BBC News at Six and Ten £335,000 – £339,999 Mark Chapman Sport (Multiple) £325,000 – £329,999 Mishal Husain Today £325,000 – £329,999 Amol Rajan Today £315,000 – £319,999 Jeremy Vine BBC Radio 2 £310,000 – £314,999 Sara Cox BBC Radio 2 £310,000 – £314,999 Best of Deadline Everything We Know About Amazon's 'Verity' Movie So Far 'Street Fighter' Cast: Who's Who In The Live-Action Arcade Film Adaption 2025-26 Awards Season Calendar: Dates For Emmys, Oscars, Grammys & More
New Straits Times
7 days ago
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Opposition rejects Rafizi's call to support RCI on judicial appointments
KUALA LUMPUR: The opposition has rejected Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli's call for members of parliament to support the establishment of a Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) into the appointment of top judicial positions. Perikatan Nasional (PN) Chief Whip Takiyuddin Hassan said the opposition bloc has no intention of supporting the proposal as the Pandan MP remains part of the government administration. He said Rafizi had sent a letter to several PN MPs. "Yesterday I received confirmation from opposition leader Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainuddin regarding a letter Rafizi sent through the parliamentary service centre on Wednesday. "Up to now, neither of us has received Rafizi's letter, in which he reportedly urged PN MPs to support his call for the government to establish an RCI concerning judicial appointments. "We confirm that we will not support the proposal because Rafizi is still a member of the government or a government supporter. So why is he seeking support from the opposition?" he said during a press conference at the Al Bukhary Foundation here today. Earlier, Takiyuddin was among those who attended the second roundtable session of the Secretariat to Defend the Judicial System, alongside former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad. The session was also attended by several political party leaders, NGOs, and members of the legal fraternity. Takiyuddin, who is also Pas secretary-general, said PN lacks confidence in forming an RCI under the current circumstances, as its establishment requires the prime minister's advice to be submitted to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, while PN is calling for the prime minister to step down. "Because of that, we feel it's not our place to support this. If Rafizi is serious, he needs to show that he supports the effort to call for the prime minister's resignation — either inside or outside Parliament," he said. He said during the Prime Minister's Question Time (PMQ) session on July 22, Hamzah is expected to ask just one question. "Datuk Seri Hamzah himself will be asking the sole question to Anwar. "Usually, there are three questions — two for the government and one for the opposition. "Hamzah will raise the issue of the judiciary. If Rafizi wants, he should request a supplementary question from the government side."
