The era of the BBC mega-salary may end with Gary Lineker. But is that necessarily a good thing? | Archie Bland
GuardianNOV 2024
BBC Salary Report Shows Lineker Tops List Despite Exit
Above: Gary Lineker at Wimbledon, U.K., on July 4, 2025. Image copyright: Visionhaus/Getty Images
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
The BBC's top talent deserves to be well-paid. These stars help the BBC remain the UK’s most trusted media brand in a fiercely competitive global market. Despite tight finances, the BBC has delivered outstanding value, driven digital growth, and strengthened democracy and social cohesion — proving its cultural leadership is worth investing in.
Establishment-critical narrative
With repeated failures in leadership and breaches of editorial standards, it's no wonder public trust in the BBC is eroding. Paying stars like Gary Lineker millions while ordinary people are forced to fund it through a mandatory licence fee is unjust. If the BBC can’t uphold its values or offer choice, its funding model and future must be urgently reconsidered.