BBC chiefs awarded bonuses
The BBC's director-general has defended the decision to award pay rises to its executive directors despite a year of job cuts and phone-in scandals.
Mark Thompson waived his own right to a bonus because of the "scale of disruption and uncertainty" facing BBC colleagues.
But nine executive directors did receive bonuses in 2007/08, according to this year's annual report.
BBC Vision director Jana Bennett took a total rise of more than £100,000 including her bonus and other benefits.
But Thompson said her bonus had been cut because of the fakery scandals involving some BBC TV shows.
However, he defended the rises, saying that across the board they were less than other broadcasters received individually outside the BBC.
"BBC executive benefits are set at a much lower level than most of our equivalents," said Thompson.
"When you actually get out into the external world, some potential candidates almost roll on the floor laughing when you talk about potential levels of pay."
But broadcasting workers' union Bectu, said the senior managers should have refused to take up a bonus.