BBC slashes Clarkson's salary: Wheels: News: General

BBC slashes Clarkson's salary

30/01/2009 11:57

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The BBC is to slash the salary of Top Gear’s lead star, Jeremy Clarkson as part of its latest cost-cutting drive.

A BBC spokesperson said that because of the economic downturn the money the broadcaster paid to talent would be reduced when their contracts came up for renewal.

The measures are expected to lead to savings of more than £20 million. The Sun newspaper claimed that top BBC TV and radio stars earning more than £100 000 a year were facing 25% pay cuts.

Clarkson allegedly earns a seven-figure salary from the BBC, while the Top Gear programme attracts about 235 million viewers worldwide.

The corporation also stated that "those on the highest fees will be most affected by market conditions", according to The Guardian newspaper.

"Whilst it's true to say that we are, of course, honouring existing contracts, our presenters are aware that when contracts fall due for renewal, the fee will be reduced," the spokesman said.

Jeremy Clarkson is currently vsiting South Africa promoting the Top Gear brand at the annual MPH Live Motoring Theatre in Johannesburg.

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VW 2/2/2009 2:47 PM	I was at MPH this weekend and saw them advertising a all new season of Top Gear. It should be running on DSTV soon.
Barry 2/2/2009 8:44 AM	I would like to agree with Wayne and the comment before him. I am also an avid TopGear fan. However, it's getting very frustrating to know that you are watching darn old material. And to add insult to injury, it gets repeated (OVER AND OVER AGAIN). Dstv is busy drinving local fans away from the program with these repetitions. I for one scheduled my time so, not to mis an episode. Nowadays, I don't care if I miss it, cause I know - would probably have seen it before. Ones again we are fed these replays, cause Dstv has a monopoly, and do not give a rat's a$$h of what the public gets for their money. Won't even start with there billing, phone response system etc. Hope ons of the sheep at the co reads this and dares to respond.
Anonymous User 2/2/2009 8:26 AM	Eric: Jeremy Clarkson is not the highest paid. Jonathan Ross probably is. There is also Graham Norton et al who all demands 7 figure salaries. Clarkson is but only one of the few that will have their salary cut
greengrocer 2/1/2009 6:14 PM	My sister sometimes pees herself laughing at those guys!! All three of them. You know, it's shows like top gear that remind us just how funny the poms are. The yanks can't hold a candle to them. Anyone who describes a gearbox as a bag of nails, and a soft top as scaffolding, can earn what they like. Funny thing is,- the show isn't only about cars, but about how to laugh at youself.
Wayne 1/31/2009 9:18 AM	Those 3 guys are just the best. I watch every single one of their programs. My girlfriend who is not into cars love Top Gear! They deserve their salaries. Brilliant show!
Anonymous User 1/30/2009 8:17 PM	They can be glad that they only visit South Africa now and then! I'm sure they'll also go crackers if they had to watch themselves going on a burning caravan holiday rerun as many as 15 times on DSTV!!!!aaargh!!!!
TONY1 1/30/2009 5:51 PM	Are there new shows? What are you guys looking at and where? All we get this side of town on DsTV are repeats after repeats virtually every night!
Anonymous User 1/30/2009 5:41 PM	I wonder if they'll be cutting the script writers' salaries too. The entire production team is ridiculous nice. I think they shout cut The Stig's salary he only works for a few minutes every week, now that's not fair!!
Anonymous User 1/30/2009 4:24 PM	Pay him more - with the revenues they must earn from the show they can keep the BBC going for a little longer
The Stig 1/30/2009 4:22 PM	This article doesnt say the BBC has actually said anything about Clarkson it mentions those on the higher earning levels for sure but last time it chatted to Jezza he had a BBC contract for years so they only going to renegotiate in 5 yrs 0 how the F*#@ will that help them
Eben 1/30/2009 4:01 PM	Without Jeremy, BBC will fail, Topgear is one of their most watch programs, he can start his own program anytime if we wants
eric 1/30/2009 3:58 PM	Clarkson is very wealthy. I think he is the highest paid BBC employee/contractor by far. I doubt any other broadcaster would come along and scoop him up because there is no money for big pay cheques anymore.
Anonymous User 1/30/2009 3:28 PM	If I could invite three people for dinner, it would be those three. You wouldn't stop laughing .... you can see when they laugh on one of there 'skiets'; it's real laughter to the point of howling!!!
Simon 1/30/2009 3:14 PM	235 million viewers! That's no mean feat. Yes, they have probably the worlds' greatest job, but I think the deserve every Penny they earn. The BBC should be sensible. They want to knobble their cash cow, which may just end up wandering over to a greener field if they are not careful
David 1/30/2009 3:03 PM	I honestly think that his BBC salary is not that big a chunk of his total income, but the power of the BBC is the exposure they can create for him. If I were him, I would take it with a pinch of salt and demand a raise in stronger financial times.
Anonymous User 1/30/2009 2:48 PM	Seriously, I don't care what he earns, he's high...lariously funny. All 3 of them. I'm an adult woman and I LOVE watching Top Gear. Leave it be, just to keep them on air!!
Anonymous User 1/30/2009 2:36 PM	Well said. Money makes the world go around.
Anonymous User 1/30/2009 2:24 PM	He deserves his salary. I would be pretty peeved if i had to sell my lambo and trade it in for a audi / merc.
Anonymous User 1/30/2009 12:16 PM	Sure he's already got enough money to never have to work another day in his life. That been said, wouldnt be surprised to see Clarkson jump ship if another broadcaster came and long offered to maintain or beat his current salary. Wouldn't you?

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