BBC OTT
I think I'll sign the petition calling for Jeremy Clarkson's reinstatement at the BBC even though I suspect it's in both parties interests to go their separate ways.
Because the more I hear about how the BBC has handled the whole affair the more I think that the Beeb's top management is a disgrace.
First of all, the suspension of someone from their normal place of work is supposed to be a 'neutral' act, one that is necessary to facilitate the investigation of an incident or a problem and prevent potential witnesses from being compromised, intimidated even.
But there was no complaint about Jeremy Clarkson who reported the 'fracas' himself so why did the BBC suspend the presenter, in the absence of any complaint, and then abandon the three remaining programmes in the Top Gear series?
It all sounds more than a bit 'over the top' to me, as if some of these handsomely paid managers at the BBC have lost their sense of judgement.
Jeremy Clarkson approached BBC bosses about 'fracas'
Clarkson was suspended after a "fracas" with a BBC producer
Top Gear host Jeremy Clarkson initiated the BBC investigation which prompted his suspension, after he informed BBC bosses of the alleged "fracas".
BBC News understands that the star phoned BBC head of television, Danny Cohen, to report the incident.
Producer Oisin Tymon, with whom the altercation took place, is not believed to have filed his own complaint.
Interviews are expected to be held with the star and other parties next week, and the show has been taken off-air.
Clarkson has expressed regret over the incident, which his co-presenter James May labelled "a bit of a dust-up".
An online petition calling for the star's reinstatement - set up by political blogger Guido Fawkes - has accrued more than 800,000 signatures since Tuesday.
Speaking to reporters on Friday, Clarkson said he is "very grateful to everyone" who has signed the petition.
Top Gear is one of the BBC's most popular and profitable TV shows, with an estimated global audience of 350 million.
Its success is largely attributed to the contentious host, who has appeared on the show since 1988.
Top Gear host Jeremy Clarkson initiated the BBC investigation which prompted his suspension, after he informed BBC bosses of the alleged "fracas".
BBC News understands that the star phoned BBC head of television, Danny Cohen, to report the incident.
Producer Oisin Tymon, with whom the altercation took place, is not believed to have filed his own complaint.
Interviews are expected to be held with the star and other parties next week, and the show has been taken off-air.
Clarkson has expressed regret over the incident, which his co-presenter James May labelled "a bit of a dust-up".
An online petition calling for the star's reinstatement - set up by political blogger Guido Fawkes - has accrued more than 800,000 signatures since Tuesday.
Speaking to reporters on Friday, Clarkson said he is "very grateful to everyone" who has signed the petition.
Top Gear is one of the BBC's most popular and profitable TV shows, with an estimated global audience of 350 million.
Its success is largely attributed to the contentious host, who has appeared on the show since 1988.
Top Gear is presented by James May, Richard Hammond and Jeremy Clarkson
Politicians on all sides have weighed into the affair, with Prime Minister David Cameron - a friend of Clarkson - saying he hoped the incident could be "sorted out".
"It's a great programme and he's a great talent," he said.
A lawyer for Mr Tymon said his client "intends to await the outcome of the BBC investigation and will make no comment until that investigation is complete".
Pre-emptive
Clarkson's approach to BBC bosses suggests he was trying to pre-empt any official complaint. The incident, at a Yorkshire hotel, is reported to have been witnessed by members of the public, as well as some of the production team.
The presenter, 54, was given what he called his "final warning" last May after claims he used a racist word during filming.
He later apologised for the incident which, although never broadcast, had been leaked to a tabloid newspaper.
Last year, Top Gear was also censured by Ofcom for breaching broadcasting rules after Clarkson used a derogatory word for Asian people during its Burma special programme.
A further incident during shooting in Argentina saw the show's executive producer, Andy Wilman, brand 2014 an "annus horribilis" for his team.
Clarkson, and co-presenters May and Richard Hammond, are due to renegotiate their contracts next month.
Politicians on all sides have weighed into the affair, with Prime Minister David Cameron - a friend of Clarkson - saying he hoped the incident could be "sorted out".
"It's a great programme and he's a great talent," he said.
A lawyer for Mr Tymon said his client "intends to await the outcome of the BBC investigation and will make no comment until that investigation is complete".
Pre-emptive
Clarkson's approach to BBC bosses suggests he was trying to pre-empt any official complaint. The incident, at a Yorkshire hotel, is reported to have been witnessed by members of the public, as well as some of the production team.
The presenter, 54, was given what he called his "final warning" last May after claims he used a racist word during filming.
He later apologised for the incident which, although never broadcast, had been leaked to a tabloid newspaper.
Last year, Top Gear was also censured by Ofcom for breaching broadcasting rules after Clarkson used a derogatory word for Asian people during its Burma special programme.
A further incident during shooting in Argentina saw the show's executive producer, Andy Wilman, brand 2014 an "annus horribilis" for his team.
Clarkson, and co-presenters May and Richard Hammond, are due to renegotiate their contracts next month.
