Dave Hughes reveals the reason why he offered to take a big pay cut
In the wake of Lisa Wilkinson’s shock departure from Channel Nine, the disparity between the amount of money male and female media personalities earn in virtually equivalent roles has come under an increasingly level of scrutiny.
So much so, that one of the nation’s favourite stand-up comedians and radio personalities, Dave Hughes, has decided to reveal the true reason he took a pay cut to be a part of the popular program he co-hosts with Kate Langbroek.
The duo, who currently host the national drive show on KIIS FM, spoke candidly about their contracts on air yesterday, relaying parts of a conversation the pair had had on International Women’s Day last year when Langbroek revealed that she had discovered she was being paid significantly less than Hughes.
“You don’t know about this,” she said on air at the time.
“This is an example of International Women’s Day. This is heavy hitting. I found out last year that you get paid 40 per cent more than I do for doing this show.”
Hughes was audibly stunned at the time.
“I had no idea what we get paid,” he told Langbroek, “now I feel terrible”.
Hughes revealed on air yesterday that he was initially “reeling” when Langbroek blindsided him on air with contract discussion and details regarding pay.
“We’ve never discussed money over our journey together,” he said.
As soon as Langbroek found out about the pay different in 2016 she raised the issue with her bosses at KISS FM and was paid the same as Hughes for the rest of the year, but apparently the comedian had already taken pre-emptive steps. Reports suggest he offered to accept less in 2017, to ensure that his co-host would be paid the same.
And I had already procured parity for myself before @DHughesy knew it was an issue. He ensured we would maintain it going forward. 👊🏼 https://t.co/M4oNkeoOcb
— kate langbroek (@katelangbroek) October 18, 2017
The duo have signed onto the Hit Network for 2018, and have made sure from the outset that they would be getting paid the same amount for the duration of their contract.
“When we go to our new job, we get pay parity,” Langbroek said on air yesterday. “And we’re on parity now.
“And I couldn’t be happier, obviously,” Hughes said. “You deserve it”.
What are your thoughts? Do you think more should be done to ensure pay parity between both genders?
Hero image credit: Twitter / Andrew Bucklow