BBC "grateful" and "proud" of male presenters who accepted pay cuts - and suggests there are more to follow
Six big-name presenters have so far accepted reductions in their salaries as the Corporation aims to close the gender pay gap
The BBC has thanked six male presenters who have accepted reductions in their salaries as part of the Corporation's plans to close the gap between what its male and female talent is paid.
A statement from the BBC, shared by its Media Editor Amol Rajan, expressed gratitude to Today presenters John Humphrys, Jon Sopel and Nick Robinson, newsreader Huw Edwards and radio hosts Nicky Campbell and Jeremy Vine and said it was "proud" to have them working there.
"We are very grateful to Huw Edwards, Nicky Campbell, John Humphrys, Jon Sopel, Nick Robinson and Jeremy Vine, who have agreed that their pay will now be reduced," said the statement. "These are great journalists and presenters, who have a real connection with the audience. We are proud to have them working at the BBC."
It also suggested that pay cuts for other male stars could be on the cards. "The final details of some of these changes are being discussed, and there are further conversations that the BBC will have with others in due course," it said.
The disparity between male and female broadcasting talent at the BBC became clear in July last year when the Corporation was obliged to reveal the salaries of all those earning £150,000 or more.
The issue was brought to a head in recent weeks by the resignation of China Editor Carrie Gracie in protest, followed by a leaked off-air recording of Humphrys scoffing at the suggestion that Sopel's salary should be reduced: "Oh dear God she’s actually suggested you should lose money,” said Humphrys.
The BBC was said to be "deeply unimpressed" by the comments, which Humphrys described as “silly banter between old mates”.
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