Tom Watson MP comment on the BBC annual report

Tom Watson MP, Labour’s Shadow Secretary of State for Digital,
Culture, Media and Sport, commenting on the BBC annual report, said:

“The BBC is one of the world’s greatest broadcasters and we
shouldn’t be surprised that its top stars – who millions of people tune in to
watch and listen to every week – are well paid.

"Labour recognises the BBC’s dilemma: the need to give
licence payers value for money while operating in a competitive commercial
environment against other broadcasters who do not have to disclose what they
pay.

“It’s wrong that only a third of the BBC’s highest paid stars are
women, and we welcome Lord Hall’s commitment to close the gender pay gap by
2020. It would be good to see a similar commitment, and similar levels of
transparency, from other media organisations – especially those who are
criticising the BBC today.”