Culture Minister Ronald Plasterk plans to put a cap on salaries in public broadcasting. He argues that broadcasting employees should not earn more than the so-called "Balkenende norm" of 180 thousand euros.

Exceptions will only be made in special circumstances. In practice, says Mr Plasterk, this means a handful of "uniquely talented" people who are responsible for a whole channel and could earn a great deal more in the commercial sector. In these cases, the Supervisory Board for Public Broadcasting with determine their pay.

The broadcasters earlier called for a limit of 240 thousand euros but Mr Plasterk thought this was too high for publicly funded positions. At present there are around 40 people in public broadcasting who earn more than the 180 thousand a year.

When the cap goes into effect it will only apply to new recruits.

The Balkenende norm refers to the widely-accepted principle that public sector employees should not earn more than the prime minister, Jan Peter Balkenende.