News

Huw Edwards’ BBC salary revealed amid departure scandal

Published

5 months ago

July 24, 2024

HUW EDWARDS was paid more than £475,000 by the BBC last year before his resignation following allegations that he paid for explicit images. Edwards, the veteran newsreader, resigned in April after claims surfaced that he paid a young person for sexually explicit photos.

According to the BBC’s annual report, Edwards earned between £475,000 and £479,999 for the 2023/24 period, covering 160 presenting days, BBC One news specials, election specials, and other television programming. This was an increase from his 2022/23 salary of between £435,000 and £439,999 for 180 presenting days and news specials.

Edwards had been absent from screens since July 2023, when the story first broke, until his exit in April 2024. During this time, he was suffering from serious mental health issues and received in-patient hospital care. The BBC confirmed that he did not receive a pay-off upon his departure and left based on medical advice from his doctors. Edwards had been a prominent figure in the coverage of major political and royal events, notably announcing Queen Elizabeth II’s death and presenting her funeral coverage. He also anchored the broadcast of the King’s coronation last year.

Edwards was the third highest-paid BBC employee in 2023/24, up from fourth the previous year. Topping the list once again was Match Of The Day anchor Gary Lineker, whose salary remained unchanged at between £1,350,000 and £1,354,999. This marks the seventh consecutive year Lineker has held the top spot and remains the only star earning over £1 million.

The salaries of many of the BBC’s most recognisable faces are not disclosed as they are paid through production companies, including BBC’s commercial arm BBC Studios. This omission includes presenters like Michael McIntyre, Lord Sugar, Bradley Walsh, and Alex Jones, as well as Strictly Come Dancing hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman.

The BBC’s annual report comes amid increased scrutiny of its flagship show, Strictly Come Dancing, over its culture and treatment of contestants. Despite the controversy, the report contains few mentions of Strictly, though photos from the show are included.

This year’s list of highest-paid on-air talent features two new entries: Naga Munchetty and Radio 4’s Nick Robinson, replacing Ken Bruce and Sophie Raworth. The top 10 also includes four women: Zoe Ball, Fiona Bruce, Lauren Laverne, and Munchetty. Other notable names include Radio 1’s Greg James, Radio Ulster’s Stephen Nolan, and Match Of The Day’s Alan Shearer.

Here is the full list of BBC on-air salaries above £178,000 for 2023/24, as published in the corporation’s annual report:

Gary Lineker £1,350,000-£1,354,999 (no change)
Zoe Ball £950,000-£954,999 (down from £980,000-£984,999)
Huw Edwards £475,000-£479,999 (up from £435,000-£439,999)
Greg James £415,000-£419,999 (up from £395,000-£399,999)
Fiona Bruce £405,000-£409,999 (up from £395,000-£399,999)

=5. Stephen Nolan £405,000-£409,999 (up from £400,000-£404,999)

Lauren Laverne £395,000-£399,999 (up from £390,000-£394,999)
Alan Shearer £380,000-£384,999 (down from £445,000-£449,999)
Naga Munchetty £345,000-£349,999 (up from £335,000-£339,999)

=9. Nick Robinson £345,000-£349,999 (up from £275,000-£279,999)

Mishal Husain £340,000-£344,999 (up from £315,000-£319,999)

The list does not include those paid through independent production companies or BBC Studios.

Community

Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity

Published

1 day ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE PEMBROKESHIRE ILLUMINATED TRACTOR RUN took place today (Dec 21), raising funds for two vital charities: the Catrin Vaughan Foundation and Wales Air Ambulance.

Starting at Clarbeston Road AFC at 6:00pm, the brightly lit convoy of nearly 200 tractors made its way through Withybush Hospital and Haverfordwest High Street before finishing at the Pembrokeshire County Showground.

The annual event has become a highlight of the festive calendar, drawing large crowds to witness the spectacle of tractors adorned with colourful lights and decorations.

Funds raised from the event will support the Catrin Vaughan Foundation, which provides crucial assistance to families facing hardship, and the Wales Air Ambulance, delivering life-saving emergency medical care across the region.

Organisers praised the dedication of local farmers and volunteers, whose commitment ensures the event’s continued success year after year.

(Image: Nia Marshall/Facebook)

Business

Ferry Terminal ‘extremely busy’ due to ongoing Holyhead closure

Published

1 day ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

PEMBROKE DOCK Ferry Terminal has been experiencing significant congestion today as ferry services remain under immense pressure following the closure of Holyhead Port earlier this month.

The disruption, caused by storm damage, has rerouted ferry traffic through Pembrokeshire, leading to long queues and crowded facilities at the terminal.

The Herald can confirm that it has been very busy today with cars, lorries, and foot passengers queuing in large numbers. Staff are working tirelessly to manage the influx, directing vehicles and assisting passengers as they prepare to board the heavily booked ferries.

A spokesperson for the Port of Milford Haven said: “We are working closely with ferry operators and local authorities to ensure traffic flows as smoothly as possible, but the sheer volume of vehicles is causing unavoidable delays.”

Travelers are being urged to arrive early for their sailings and to remain patient as the terminal operates at full capacity.

Both Stena Line and Irish Ferries have increased capacity on their Pembrokeshire routes, deploying larger vessels, including the Stena Adventurer and the MV James Joyce, to handle the surge in demand.

From our position at the terminal, our photographer has captured photos showing long lines of vehicles, groups of foot passengers carrying luggage, and port staff coordinating efforts to ease congestion.

Authorities are advising non-essential travelers to consider rescheduling their journeys where possible and to monitor updates from ferry operators closely.

(Photos: Martin Cavaney/Herald)

Community

Festive celebrations at St Davids Cathedral this weekend

Published

1 day ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ST DAVIDS Cathedral is set to host two special events on Sunday (Dec 22), offering a blend of joyful participation and traditional carol singing to mark the Christmas season.

In the morning, families are invited to the Scratch Nativity at 11:00am. Attendees are encouraged to come dressed as wise men, angels, sheep, or shepherds and take part in an unrehearsed retelling of the Christmas story. Canon Leigh described the event as: “Complete, wonderful chaos for an hour… but with some poignant, thought-provoking moments to centre ourselves on the real meaning of Christmas.”

Later in the evening, the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols by Candlelight will take place at 7:00pm, featuring the Cathedral Choir. The event, steeped in tradition, will see the cathedral bathed in candlelight as carols and scripture readings fill the historic space.

Doors will open at 5:45pm for those seeking unreserved seating, and a large turnout is expected for this beloved Christmas celebration.