Several BBC male stars agree to take wage cut amid gender pay-gap row – and more could come
Huw Edwards, Nicky Campbell, John Humphrys, Jon Sopel, Nick Robinson and Jeremy Vine will all see their pay slashed
SEVERAL BBC male stars have agreed to take a pay cut as the corporation tries to calm a growing row over its gender pay gap.
Huw Edwards, Nicky Campbell, John Humphrys, Jon Sopel, Nick Robinson and Jeremy Vine - all of whom earn more than half a million pounds a year - will see their pay slashed.
It comes after BBC China editor Carrie Gracie resigned in fury earlier this month in response to the unequal pay with her fellow international editors.
She was earning £135,000 a year compared to US editor Mr Sopel, who was on between £200,000 and £249,000.
Radio 2 and Eggheads presenter Mr Vine, who is paid between £700,000 and £749,000 a year said: "It needs to be sorted out and I support my international editors."
In a statement they said: "We are very grateful to Huw Edwards, Nicky Campbell, John Humphrys, Jon Sopel, Nick Robinson and Jeremy Vine, who have agreed that their pay will now be reduced.
It went on: "These are great journalists and presenters, who have a real connection with the audience. We are proud to have them working at the BBC.
"The final details of some of these changes are being discussed, and there are further conversations that the BBC will have with others in due course."
Last year the BBC was forced to declare talent pay for the first time, with Radio 2 breakfast show host Chris Evans revealed as the corporation’s top earner on up to £2.24million.
Other substantial salaries include Gary Lineker who earns just under £1.75million, Graham Norton who earns between £850,000 and £899,999, Jeremy Vine, whose income is up to £750,000, and £550,000-a-year Huw Edwards.
Two thirds of BBC stars earning more than £150,000 a year were men, it was revealed.
Radio 4 presenter Mr Humphreys, 74, was reported earlier this week to have volunteered to take a pay cut of a third in a bid to set a "moral example" - meaning his salary will drop to £250,000-£300,000.
This will put him on the same level as his female colleague Mishal Husain, 44.
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The news comes after a female Tory minister knocked back an interview with Radio 4 presenter Mr Humphrys because of his refusal to apologise over a sexism row.
Culture minister Tracey Crouch and other female ministers are said to be furious over banter between the Today host and US Editor Jon Sopel over the gender pay gap and the fact he’s refused to say sorry over it.
The men joked about the ongoing BBC pay row after China Editor Carrie Gracie quit, in an off-air chat.
But despite being slammed by BBC bosses for their “ill-advised” comment there has been no apology.
Mr Humphrys said to his 58-year-old male colleague about Ms Gracie: “Oh dear God. She’s actually suggested that you should lose money – you know that don’t you?”
It is understood Ms Crouch turned down a bid by the Today programme on Radio 4 as part of a media round talking about her role on loneliness.