CGM blog: A question of talent

23 Mar CGM blog: A question of talent

We should learn the fate of BBC Top Gear presenter Jeremy Clarkson this week.

To some, Clarkson is a maverick whose every action should be indulged. To others, he’s an over-opinionated oaf in overdue need of his wings clipping. You pays yer money and takes yer choice. To a degree…

If, and I stress if, he’s guilty of the things he’s accused of, then surely he has to be sacked.

Not even the most outraged of fans who have signed the Clarkson Must Stay petition in the cool light of day cannot surely defend punching a fellow employee (if that indeed is what has transpired). If not, the situation is different.

But to me there’s a wider problem – Talent.

I’ve capped the word up deliberately because the BBC (and doubtlessly other broadcasters) actually identifies its regular on-air, on-screen presenters as ‘Talent’.

To me (a former BBC network radio producer) it is an uncomfortable moniker which, by nature, suggests the Corporation’s production staff lack the same ‘talent’ or ability to influence the BBC’s output.

Yet talent comes in many forms. In reality, and don’t get me wrong, I’ve had the pleasure and privilege to work with some great presenters who can bring TV and radio programmes to life, the multifarious talent of BBC’s creative production staff is often little short of genius.

The precious programme enjoyed by the idiots who have trolled and threatened seasoned Top Gear producer Oisin Tymon is only so good because of the way it is researched, scripted, shot and edited, as well as the characters you see on screen.

The BBC would do well to protect its (uncapped) talent and weigh up the excesses of (capped up) Talent when reaching decisions of this magnitude.

Yes, I have worked with some great presenters, but I’ve also had to tolerate so-called Talent that couldn’t be bothered to read a word of carefully prepared production notes on a three hour first class rail trip (so turned up completely unprepared for a day’s recording).

I’ve had to literally lock Talent in my car before allowing them to meet and greet interviewees because they didn’t know what they were doing.

I’ve also been handed invoices for voiceovers yet to be recorded.

There has been much talk about the Clarkson affair damaging the BBC brand and Top Gear’s revenue generation. That’s fine – it is part of the equation.

But as with any business, and anyone who is a visual face of that business, it is important to respect the efforts of the whole team – and that includes the talent that make things happen as well as the Talent we see and hear.

Chris Green is an author, broadcaster and media consultant – and managing director of Chris Green Media.