Channel 4 paid out £5.2 million in bonuses last year, according to reports.

The broadcaster's annual report in the spring stated that the executive board, which includes Andy Duncan, Andy Barnes, Anne Bulford, Rod Henwood and Kevin Lygo, received a combined £495,000 in bonuses.

According to Broadcast, around 90% of the Channel 4's staff received a bonus, with average payouts of £6,000. Around 40 of the network's staff received over £20,000.

A spokesman for Channel 4 told the publication that the 2006 payouts "reflected the company's exceptional performance in achieving its highest ever share of total TV viewing and of total TV advertising revenue," and that it needed to offer "competitive remuneration packages in order to attract the best staff."