Information Commissioner's Office

BBC

17 March 2008, Other

The complainant requested details of the BBC’s financial agreements with both Graham Norton and Malcolm Young. The BBC refused to disclose this information on the basis that it was held for the purposes of journalism, art or literature. Having considered the circumstances of this case the Commissioner has concluded that the BBC misapplied the Schedule I derogation and that this information falls within the Act. However, the Commissioner has concluded that details of Mr Norton’s agreement are exempt from disclosure on the basis of section 40 of the Act. Furthermore, the Commissioner has also concluded that details of Mr Young’s agreement with the BBC are exempt from disclosure on the basis of section 40, the only exception being the salary band within which Mr Young’s salary fell.

FOI 17: Upheld