Despite a lengthy suspension, Huw Edwards received a significant pay increase, making him one of the BBC’s top earners. Edwards resigned from the BBC in April, nine months after being taken off air.

According to the BBC’s latest annual report, Edwards’ salary rose to between £475,000 and £479,999 from the previous year’s £435,000 to £439,999. This pay hike occurred even though Edwards had been suspended following allegations of paying a young person for explicit images. Both South Wales Police and the Metropolitan Police found no evidence of criminal activity.

Jwslubbock, CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

BBC Director General Tim Davie defended the salary increase, emphasizing the corporation’s aim to act fairly and proportionately. He explained that pay rises are often given for extended responsibilities and performance, suggesting Edwards’ raise was part of standard business practices.

Edwards had been a prominent figure at the BBC, covering major events such as the Queen’s death and the King’s coronation. Despite the controversy, he was the third highest-paid BBC employee for the 2023/24 period, with only Match of the Day’s Gary Lineker earning more.

The annual report also highlighted changes in the rankings of the BBC’s highest-paid on-air talent, with Naga Munchetty and Radio 4’s Nick Robinson entering the top 10.