So the BBC is cleared of paying too much for talent. Great word. Let’s try two older ones – public servants.

The BBC is a public service broadcaster, so the standard by which its salaries should be judged is the UK public sector.

The Prime Minister makes getting on for £190k. The Lord Chief Justice makes £230k. The Chief Executive of the NHS comes out in the same ball park.

Hard then not to think that somewhere around £200-225k mark is a pretty good top salary for an elite public service broadcaster…or – if it helps – nearly half a Mark Byford, or a third of a Mark Thompson.