The Benefits of Clarkson Leaving

The show Top Gear, which the BBC currently hosts, has finally let go one of the most influential leaders in the car industry. Jeremy Clarkson was fired from his position after allegedly punching one of the producers in the face. While many fans of the show, including me and hundred of millions, are saddened by this dismal, it may be for the best for both the BBC and viewership.

The benefits of Clarkson's removal may not appear positive in the light of many, but it does have some very positive  outcomes. Since Top Gear has an annual income of around $350 million dollars a year, Clarkson's contract is very expensive. The BBC was paying Clarkson anywhere from $3-5 million dollars a year just to host the show. Looking at this issue from just an economic sides is not where the benefits of Clarkson's release comes in to play. This comes from a more serious issue, which is the public image of the BBC.

Jeremy Clarkson has always been on thin ice with the BBC from past racist remarks and stereotypes of many foreign countries. The most recent racist remark came from an instance in which he could be heard to utter the N-word while reciting the rhyme "Eenie Meenie Minee Mo". This caused an uproar from the media who believed Clarkson should be let go immediately, but the BBC was not fast to act on the situation. Clarkson eventually put out a  video release of his apology on the BBC you tube channel which can be watched below.

This apology to man seemed forced and not genuine to the audience and cost the BBC in terms of public image for hiring a man who does not see a problem with racism. After this incident the BBC told Clarkson that this was a final warning before they would end his contract. Clearly Clarkson did not feel that the BBC was actually serious and decided to act in a way that would leave the BBC with no decision, but to let him go. While the release of Clarkson seems tragic to many fans of the show, it should have been done many years ago which has hurt the image of the BBC.




Sources:
http://www.businessinsider.com/report-top-gear-host-jeremy-clarkson-will-be-fired-by-the-bbc-2015-3
http://www.forbes.com/sites/natalierobehmed/2015/03/25/why-the-bbc-is-right-to-fire-jeremy-clarkson-from-top-gear/
http://www.radiotimes.com/news/2015-04-19/jeremy-clarkson-ive-lost-my-top-gear-baby-but-ill-do-another-car-show
http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/news/jeremy-clarkson-does-not-see-a-problem-with-his-racist-language-on-top-gear-says-bbc-9683097.html