BBC facing ‘talent crisis’ as review launched over ‘unsustainable’ licence fee
Emma Woolf says the BBC is struggling with a dearth of talent
PA / GB News
The BBC is facing a “talent crisis” as the institution contends with scrutiny over its “unsustainable” licence fee model.
The broadcaster published a list of their highest paid stars last week, with hefty salaries on display across the board.
Gary Lineker, who hosts football highlights programme Match of the Day, is said to earn in the region of £1,350,000 to £1,354,999.
According to journalist Emma Woolf, the significant sum of money spent on talent would be better served elsewhere as the broadcaster has served up “lukewarm” personalities.
She says the supposed lack of talent could pose a real problem for the BBC, with huge amounts being shelled out for those appearing on screen.
“I know a lot of people who are not paying their licence fee. Loads of young people don’t want to watch the BBC,” Woolf told GB News.
“As well with the grubby scandals, there are ludicrous salaries for some of their top presenters, for pretty lukewarm talent. It’s utterly unsustainable.”
Fellow journalist Tonia Buxton agreed with the sentiment, arguing: “We should not have to be forced to pay something we don’t believe in. The BBC have forgotten how to be journalists.
Gary Lineker is the BBC's highest paid presenter
PA“It shouldn’t be part of our taxes. They don’t actually do journalism anymore, they just do their own political beliefs.
“I’m always really confused as to why they [presenters] get these types of fees, when there should be a real turnaround in young talent.”
It comes after it was revealed the institution faces a formal review into how its funded as concerns rise over the licence fee.
According to The Times, ministers are set to formally announce a review of its funding model in the autumn, which will look into alternatives such as subscription, increased commercial activity and a broadband levy.
The BBC’s royal charter is up for renewal in 2027, and the proposals put forward will be scrutinised as a new way forward is considered for the broadcaster.
The BBC’s annual report revealed that the number of individuals buying a licence fee had fallen by around 500,000 to 24.3 million, which they believe is a result of growing competition and the cost of living crisis.
It comes as the broadcaster conducts an investigation into alleged wrongdoing by Huw Edwards, who was accused of paying a young person for sexually explicit images.
Edwards’s wife says the presenter is being treated in hospital as a result of “serious mental health issues”.