Former US President Donald Trump has launched a staggering $5 billion lawsuit against the BBC, alleging the broadcaster misrepresented his words in a documentary. This legal action coincides with the publication of the BBC's annual report, which reveals the substantial salaries of its highest-profile presenters and journalists.
The $5 Billion Panorama Dispute
Donald Trump initiated legal proceedings against the BBC, claiming the corporation "put words in my mouth." The dispute centres on an episode of Panorama that aired just before the 2024 US election. The programme featured comments Mr Trump made to supporters prior to the January 2021 Capitol riots.
The contentious edit appeared to show the 79-year-old stating: “We’re going to walk down to the Capitol and I’ll be there with you, and we fight. We fight like hell.” However, the BBC has acknowledged that this sequence was constructed from segments of his speech delivered almost an hour apart.
The broadcaster has since apologised for what it termed an "error of judgment," while simultaneously asserting there is no legal foundation for the multi-billion dollar claim. Despite the apology, the former President is proceeding with his lawsuit.
Who Tops the BBC Salary List?
Against this backdrop of high-stakes litigation, the BBC's most recent list of top earners, published in July as part of its annual report, shows some notable shifts. Once again, Gary Lineker leads the pack. The former Match of the Day host, who left the corporation this year, retained his position as the highest-paid star with a salary of £1.35 million.
In second place is former Radio 2 breakfast show presenter Zoe Ball. Despite being replaced by Scott Mills, she earned between £515,000 and £519,999. Football pundit Alan Shearer saw his pay rise to third place, taking home £440,000-£445,000, boosted by his coverage of the European Championships.
Notable Climbers and New Entrants
The list reveals several significant pay increases and new faces in the top tier. Radio host and political editor Nick Robinson received a raise, as did Fiona Bruce and Laura Kuenssberg.
Vernon Kay entered the top ten for the first time with a salary of £390,000-£394,999 after taking over the Radio 2 mid-morning show from Ken Bruce. Interestingly, his first-year earnings were nearly 20% lower than his predecessor's.
A surprising inclusion was Justin Webb, the BBC's North America Editor, who commanded a salary of £365,000-£369,999.
The list also included Scott Mills and Naga Munchetty, both earning between £355,000 and £359,999. The previous year's report had featured Huw Edwards in third place with a wage of £475,000-£479,999, before his departure from the BBC following allegations concerning his private life.
The revelation of these substantial salaries, set against the unprecedented legal challenge from a former US President, underscores the intense scrutiny and high-profile pressures facing the British broadcaster. The outcome of the lawsuit and the ongoing debate over presenter pay are likely to dominate headlines for the foreseeable future.
