Cut Bailey's pay is general consensus

Most New Zealanders would not want TV One newsreader Judy Bailey back on their screens if she came with an $800,000 annual price tag, a Herald on Sunday poll shows.

Bailey, whose contract is up in December, hit headlines last year when it was revealed her contract had been almost doubled from $430,000.

The package includes the perk of 11 weeks' holiday.

The huge raise caused an outcry among politicians, including Prime Minister Helen Clark, who made clear her displeasure with Bailey's salary.

It now looks likely Bailey will take a substantial pay cut if a deal is done to keep her as the face of TV One's 6pm news.

It is understood TVNZ has been negotiating a pay "bracket" for presenters which must be approved by the company's board.

And now a Herald on Sunday Digipoll of 400 people has revealed the public feel the same way.

More than half - 54 per cent - of those surveyed did not want to see Bailey return on that salary.

One in every four respondents thought Bailey was worth the money, while a fifth of those questioned did not know either way.

The poll has a margin of error of plus or minus 4.9 per cent.

Total Media director Martin Gillman said the results were driven by envy and would be the same regardless of who was being paid.

"They're all jealous. It doesn't mean she's not worth $800,000 a year. If you said to anyone, 'do you think anyone should get paid $800,000 a year', more than half will say no. So on average Judy Bailey is doing quite well," said Gillman.

But sources say there is a strong possibility Bailey, who was livid at TVNZ news boss Bill Ralston's sacking of TV One news producer Melanie Jones and signed a petition to the board asking for his actions to be reviewed, may not wish to stay on at the state broadcaster.

If she stays, it is understood Ralston is considering a two-host format, with Agenda presenter Simon Dallow tipped to be a contender.

- HERALD ON SUNDAY