The BBC have been complete dicks by cancelling the rest of the series. By doing this, they angered a load of people and made Clarkson the centre of attention even more. They should have aired the 3 remaining shows as a way of sticking 2 fingers up to Clarkson.
Don't throw the blame on to the BBC. Clarkson has repeatedly caused issues for the publicly-funded broadcasting company including making numerous racist comments. The only embarrassment here is that it takes such a small incident for the BBC to suspend him when they have ignored much more serious incidents in the past. I guess it's just a case of the straw that breaks the camel's back.
Can't see why they don't show programmes they have already made...unless once they sacked him, he refused permission to show them. That's a total guess as I have no idea about such matters.
I'm not blaming them, just saying they've made the situation worse. They were probably right to suspend Clarkson but by cancelling the rest of the series, they've made virtually the entire Top Gear fanbase side with Clarkson. And now they're under huge pressure.
BBC are screwed either way. If they sack Clarkson Sky will just throw money at the trio. Clarkson (so I heard) also owns half the rights and the production team to Top Gear world. The only rights BBC have is the UK shows. If he stays people will moan and say he is bigger then the BBC. Even Lineker is taking the piss.
The BBC are a big corporation...they can lose one programme and survive, even a money spinner like Top Gear.
On Sky, Paul Canovile talking about racism during his career at Stamford Bridge in the 80s. Truly terrible...saying as a young lad he was afraid to warm up near the Mathew Harding stand because of the abuse he got. Said when he got away from that side, he didn't want to come back in...he'd see the coaches calling him, but he didn't want to return to the bench. Dreadful,,,,glad it is better now, but there should be no abuse at all.
It makes the BBC £20m+ just from live shows and DVD's. Top Gear basically funds other programmes the BBC makes. Yes they could lose it, but it will hit the BBC big time.
I sure I read that was just the UK arm of the company. But if they bought him out completely that would have cost them loads. If they sacked him they would have to settle for both his Top Gear UK and World contracts. That would take a lot of cash. I bet he also has all the contacts as well. Top Gear is BBC's biggest earner btw Fran. So not one of the biggest shows it is infact the biggest.
Only loosely related to the topic, but ITV's biggest overseas earner is Midsomer Murders (unless Downton has topped it now). I like Midsomer Murders, but am amazed that it is so popular abroad.
He's been on borrowed time...he will be impossible if they back down. In one article though, they referred to him being suspended....is it certain he's been sacked?
