BBC chief reveals that only one third of its top earners are female

As the BBC prepare to publish the salaries of its top contributors, Director-General, Tony Hall, has warned that comparing pay “is not straightforward”.

For the first time, the broadcaster will reveal its talent list of 96 of the biggest earners – only one third of which are female.

“Is that where we want to be? No,” Hall told staff in an internal video message that has been distributed ahead of the release.

He stressed “the need to go further and faster on issues of gender and diversity,” but did say that company was “pushing….faster than any other major broadcaster”.

TV stars like Graham Norton, Gary Lineker and Fiona Bruce are all expected to have their salaries published, while leading journalists such as Andrew Marr and John Humphrys also expected to be on the list.

“You will of course draw your own conclusions …  But … comparing people’s pay is not straightforward,” Hall said.

“Very few do precisely the same thing – people working at the same show may have other – or different – commitments.”

Admitting that some salaries come in at over £150,000, Hall said “we need to employ the very best – stars, great presenters, writers, actors, correspondents.”

“We’re in a market that is now even more competitive than ever.  A decade ago it might have been just ITV or Sky or commercial radio.  But now it’s Netflix, Amazon or Apple.”

Hall has promised to have equality between the numbers of men and women appearing on air, and in the amount they are paid, by 2020.