From a completely selfish standpoint, I’m pleased that the BBC has saved 6Music.
The decision does, however, raise a pertinent question: why is one of the public sector’s mammoth institutions seemingly impervious to spending cuts? Never mind DfID and the NHS, ring-fencing
Sue Barker is simply inadmissible.
Mark Thompson, the Director General, has identified the barest modicum of cuts. The BBC’s ‘gold-plated’ pension scheme might be limited (subject to union agreement), which will save roughly £50million. But the BBC has awarded 70 percent of its employees a £475 annual pay rise. Few companies in the private sector, especially broadcasters, can afford such generosity. It’s that same with presenters’ pay. Thompson and Alan Yentob have declared the era of high salaries dead. But the Corporation still hoped to retain the eminently dispensable Christine Bleakley with £450,000 – a colossal bribe not to join Adrian Chiles for breakfast.
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