Nearly 80% of the budget for a BBC Radio programme goes on the presenter.

A National Audit report commissioned by regulators, the BBC Trust, said the Beeb is spending "significantly" more on presenters than any radio station in the commercial sector.

79% of drive time show budgets and 77% of breakfast show costs went on presenters, which is considerable considering the high music royalties bigger BBC stations have to pay.

The commercial radio sector is increasingly paying junior presenters just £50 for a three hour show, making it harder for the BBC to justify throwing thousands a month at its presenters.

'Committed to saving'

The report, which follows that recent confirmation by BBC bosses that it would look to reduce the fees it pays presenters when their contracts come up for renewal, noted that the Corporation was already committed to cutting the costs of its radio programmes, and had already made £11.7 million in savings, beating a target of £11.6 million.

However, it said the Beeb should be more aware of what is being achieved in terms of cost savings in the commercial sector, and apply that to its own radio operations.

BBC Radio boss Tim Davie said:

"I welcome this report and am pleased it recognises the £86m we are already committed to saving. However, there are clearly opportunities to do more and I am determined to increase efficiency while maintaining the unparalleled quality of our programmes".