Big businesses are paying leading BBC news presenters tens of thousands of pounds to host events, according to newly released documents that show how financial institutions are employing the public broadcaster’s leading stars. A screengrab of the call seen by the Guardian shows Marr hosted the paid external event from a meeting room in the corporation’s Broadcasting House headquarters while wearing a BBC lanyard. For years, many high-profile BBC presenters have topped up their salaries by taking substantial fees from private companies to host awards shows, moderate panel events, and interview guests. Spencer Kelly, the host of BBC World’s Click technology show, was paid at least £5,000 by chairing a panel for the technology company Cisco. The BBC Breakfast host Dan Walker received more than £5,000 for hosting an event for the wealth management company St James’s Place, and a similar sum from the Co-op.

Source: The Guardian May 04, 2021 15:19 UTC