It should come as no surprise that Jeremy Clarkson is pulling down more cash than his Top Gear cohorts. Not only does Clarkson own a stake of the show's rights, he's more of a figurehead for the series than either James May or Richard Hammond. Clarkson has become nearly an adjective to describe any auto pundit expressing a strong opinion in a certain manner. While May and Hammond seem happy enough with their slightly-diminished status in the show hierarchy, rumors about flat-out contract rejections and threats of departure are flying behind the scenes.
James May's people state that they're not looking for parity with Clarkson's £2-million yearly earnings, but they are aiming for the best deal possible. Arlington Enterprises spokesperson, Annie Sweetbaum, has commented that nascent negotiations are progressing, and that the BBC's first offer is never the one accepted. Hamster's people dodged commenting, but we're sure his representation also aims for the fattest checks it can secure. Nobody has yet publicly threatened to take his ball and go home, but one imagines that it could come to that if no agreement can be reached. Shoot, we'd love to see what the BBC's offering; perhaps we can weasel our way into Top Gear as cheaper alternative hosts – not that we'd be any good, but with the dollar worth about three pence, getting paid in Pounds or Euros sounds pretty good to us. Thanks for the tips!
[Source: BBC]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
martin @ Jul 5th 2008 1:47PM
is this news? no one has stated they are going to leave the show, and surely the point of pay negotiations is to obtain the largest amount of money possible, thats just the way capitalism works. Who goes into a pay meeting aiming for the lowest pay?
Dan Roth @ Jul 5th 2008 2:53PM
How long have you been reading Autoblog? Do we give you the impression that we're strictly news?
tankd0g @ Jul 5th 2008 3:02PM
Publicity stunts are always news in blog land.
martin @ Jul 5th 2008 3:05PM
well the site does have the word news sprinkled about the place, so there is some indication
and in answer about 6 months, and i am aware this isnt quite reuters.com lol
notYou @ Jul 5th 2008 7:44PM
blogs != news
John @ Jul 6th 2008 12:33PM
There are MANY slow news days in the world of blogs.....and a lot of recycled "news".
Tyler Faust @ Jul 5th 2008 1:54PM
The American version will be better.
Andrew @ Jul 5th 2008 2:04PM
i hope my sarcasm meter is broken.. i simply don't see how the american TG hosts will have the character and dynamic that clarkson, may, and hammond have.
SPG @ Jul 5th 2008 1:58PM
I agree with the majority of people about that. As in I think the American version will be a sad comparison that would last maybe a year before being cancelled.
However the American version of "The Office" is a great version of the BBC original. It would be great if the American Top Gear follows suit.
Kitko @ Jul 5th 2008 2:22PM
Oh yeah, sure... And pigs can fly.
tankd0g @ Jul 5th 2008 3:02PM
cheaper.
Mobius_1 @ Jul 5th 2008 11:05PM
Tyler Faust, you just broke my "cock-o-meter"
I would like to see the US version come up with random contraptions like that
SPG @ Jul 5th 2008 1:56PM
Many a good TV show has been ruined by demands of large wage increases. Many times I get a laugh out of someones bluff being called and that character is killed off or moves away right after contract negotiations.
For a presenter a less dramatic approach is needed of course.
One way or the other, I hope May stays on.
Franz @ Jul 5th 2008 2:01PM
I say give 'em what they want... or close to it. The BBC has loads of cash. ;)
Top Gear wouldn't be quite the same without either of those guys.
Yar @ Jul 5th 2008 2:02PM
Here's a tip. If you stop paying for "people", you can take home more money.
Kitko @ Jul 5th 2008 2:25PM
Clarkson was on the show long before Hammond or May, in fact, Top Gear used to be one man show. And Clarkson is wouthout doubt more prolific and quick-tongued than other guys.
why not the LS2LS7? @ Jul 5th 2008 2:34PM
Actually, Top Gear used to be about an 8 man show and Clarkson was one of them. I don't think he ever hosted the show solo.
martin @ Jul 5th 2008 2:50PM
top gear was on years before clarkson joined, and when he did it was only as a small tester. it wasnt until recently he has become the famous figure he is now
tankd0g @ Jul 5th 2008 7:36PM
Top Gear as we know it now, the 2002+ series with the comedy and apparently inept hosts, was the creation of JC and producer Andy Wilman. The show previous to that was pretty terrible actually. More like Fifth Gear only even more boring.
why not the LS2LS7? @ Jul 5th 2008 2:36PM
Hammond wouldn't be too difficult to replace, he's pretty much a generic presenter anyway, as they make fun of on the car.
James May wouldn't be so easy, he is very funny in a sly way and despite being crowned Captain Slow represents a slice of the car market that Clarkson and Hammond can't cover.
Replacing Clarkson would be pretty much impossible. You'd just have to come up with a completely new format and hope that works.