Scott Mills was the BBC’s highest-paid presenter in the 2025/2026 financial year, earning around £745,000 before leaving the broadcaster earlier this year.His departure came after allegations of historical sexual offences surfaced.
Mills fully cooperated with a police investigation, which ended without any charges being filed against him.The BBC’s latest annual report also highlighted the salaries of several other well-known presenters.
Greg James, Stephen Nolan, Laura Kuenssberg, Vernon Kay, Alan Shearer, Justin Webb, Naga Munchetty, Fiona Bruce and Sophie Raworth were among the broadcaster’s highest earners during the period.The report also revealed a continued decline in TV licence sales, with more than half a million fewer licences in force over the past year. Over the last five years, the total number of licences has fallen by around two million, reflecting the changing habits of television audiences.
Although the annual salary list provides insight into the BBC’s highest-paid presenters, it does not include many household names who are paid through independent production companies rather than directly by the broadcaster.
Mills’ reported earnings covered his work on BBC Radio 2’s breakfast show, along with other BBC projects, including podcast appearances. Following his departure, Sara Cox stepped in to host the breakfast programme, while the BBC is yet to confirm a permanent replacement for her former evening slot.His salary marked a significant increase from the previous year when he earned around £355,000 while presenting Radio 2’s afternoon programme before taking over the breakfast show.
Former Radio 2 breakfast host Zoe Ball had previously earned considerably more during her time on the programme, although her salary gradually reduced over the years before she left the station.The report also reflected changes in the BBC’s sports coverage following Gary Lineker’s departure. Match of the Day is now shared by Mark Chapman, Gabby Logan and Kelly Cates, with each presenter earning less individually than Lineker previously received.Beyond salaries, the BBC acknowledged facing a difficult year marked by editorial controversies and public criticism. The corporation admitted that several high-profile mistakes affected public confidence and stressed its commitment to improving accountability and editorial standards.New Director General Matt Brittin said the BBC remains one of the UK’s most-used media organisations but warned that it faces major financial and structural challenges as audiences continue to shift toward digital platforms. Discussions are ongoing over how the broadcaster will be funded after the current TV licence model expires in 2027.The annual report also showed an increase in formal workplace complaints relating to bullying and harassment.
BBC management said the rise was expected following efforts to encourage staff to report inappropriate behaviour and improve workplace culture.
