Congratulations Jeremy & Andy
August 9, 2008 by Martin Hoscik · Leave a Comment
I can’t bring myself to be as outraged as others over the news Top Gear presenter Jeremy Clarkson and programme producer Andy Wilman are set to enjoy “millions” after a new deal which will see them receive a share profits from international exploitation of the show.
According to reports BBC Worldwide has now taken a majority share in a company set up by the pair which is expected to become the main vehicle for co-ordinating international exploitation of the Top Gear brand.
Speculation that Clarkson and Wilman “will make millions” has sent some outlets into orbit but I find myself asking: why shouldn’t the two men responsible for much of the show’s success be rewarded with a share of the BBC’s huge profits from it?
Top Gear is now one of the BBC’s three most profitable shows alongside Doctor Who and Planet Earth. Just like Doctor Who, Top Gear was unloved for years. When the ratings for ‘old Top Gear’ collapsed following Clarkson’s departure, BBC bosses managed to miss the obvious solution and scrapped the show.
Clarkson and Wilman are widely credited for the show’s return and for turning it into a ratings and commercial success with a string of awards in the trophy cabinet. Whatever the truth behind the decision to bring the show back, it’s clear the pair have played a major role in the show’s revived fortunes so why shouldn’t they enjoy a share of the profits?
