The BBC’s 2024-25 annual report shows Director-General Tim Davie received a 3.8% pay increase, lifting his total remuneration to roughly £547,000—about £20,000 more than the previous year. The disclosure comes as the broadcaster confronts falling licence-fee revenue and heightened political scrutiny. Davie told reporters he remains the right person to lead the corporation, arguing that decisive action and greater transparency are reinforcing editorial standards. BBC chair Samir Shah expressed full confidence in his leadership, while Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy has accused the organisation of presiding over a series of “catastrophic failures.” The report and subsequent briefings catalogue recent missteps, including a Gaza documentary that breached accuracy rules, a Glastonbury livestream in which Bob Vylan led anti-IDF chants, and an independent review that upheld 45 allegations of inappropriate behaviour by MasterChef presenter Gregg Wallace. Davie said several employees have been dismissed and further disciplinary measures are under way. Despite the turmoil, Davie insisted the long-running cooking franchise is “much bigger than individuals” and can remain on the BBC beyond 2028, though the corporation is still weighing whether to air the latest series featuring Wallace and fellow host John Torode, who is contesting a separate racism allegation. Pay transparency remains a flashpoint. Former Match of the Day anchor Gary Lineker topped the earners’ list for the eighth consecutive year at about £1.35 million. Fiona Bruce and Nick Robinson each made up to £415,000, becoming the highest-paid BBC News presenters after Huw Edwards’ departure, while Stephen Nolan earned just over £405,000.