As negotiations between BBC Worldwide, SBS and Nine continue over the future of Top Gear, media has been getting a tad carried away. They’ve even brought into the equation to beat the drums while negotiations continue.
One report yesterday not online reiterated the rumour that Shane Warne could front a series on Nine, but that he would be joined by Jeremy Clarkson.
“Utter nonsense,” says a spokesperson for BBC Worldwide.
“Beyond that there is really nothing to add,” she said.
Which is pretty much what was told to TV Tonight on Monday.
There’s nothing more to add because negotiations are still proceeding…
It’s true that Nine can throw more money at this idea than the SBS coffers have, but it’s also true we would cop more ads on Nine watching a brand that has been built up by SBS.
Source: ABC
Well… If what stiggie says is true… problem solvered
Don’t watch the local show anyway – so all’s good
stiggie,Dont you be getting all my hopes up now,I find your assumption hard to believe,would love to see it in ‘writing’
if you mixed Warne with Clarkson, would probably even break the 1,500,000 viewer barrier, bust since it’s TGA no one would watch it
It’d make sense for Nine to get the rights if they do – they publish the Aus TG magazine, SBS can barely afford to make the Aus version (plus doing it doesn’t even fit into what their charter is) and Nine can do more episodes and bring it to a bigger audience. I doubt if Nine would get Shane Warne to do it. The hosts would have to have car know how and credibility.
Craig (7:03am),
As has stated on this site numerous times, the 50 minute Top Gear UK episodes have nothing to do with SBS. So, even if its was to head to ABC, it would still remain at 50 minutes. But you’re most likely right in regards to the Nine Network…
Its worth pointing out that the negotiations are only for TopGear Australia. SBS bought the rights to the regular UK TopGear “for the life of the programme”, meaning that as long as the BBC keeps making it, SBS have the rights to it.
Do we really need Top Gear Australia? The last two seasons would suggest that we don’t.
What else would you expect from a major announcement about the King of Spin!
I still don’t trust them as they are in negotiations so anything could happen if Nine get their hand on the show. And yes it would mean more ads cutting the show from about 50 Min down to about 40 which is not good. The UK original is about 60 min each ep.
IMO ABC should have had this, keeping it at 60 Mins and no editorial to worry about.