Well, at least General Motors isn’t the only one making apologies today. BBC admitted that its deal with TomTom to release TopGear-branded navigation system voiced by the show’s famously sardonic host, Jeremy Clarkson, violated its own editorial guidelines.
More specifically, section 15, article 4, paragraph 7 states that:
“Those working on consumer programs must take particular care not to endorse any product or service which could be covered in the programs on which they work and they should have no commercial or other links which could appear to influence their BBC work”.
Apparently, both TomTom and the BBC counted on Clarkson’s world-known ironic deliveries such as “after 700 yards, assuming this car can make it that far, you have reached your destination, with the aid of 32 satellites an me – well done”, and TG’s popularity to boost sales.
TomTom had already manufactured 54,000 Top Gear navigation devices, many of which had already been delivered to stores, before the mistake was realized. BBC Worldwide announced that production of the device will cease, the app that allows TomTom owners to download Clarkson’s voice will be pulled off, and all proceeds from sales so far “will be paid to BBC Children in Need, together with an additional charitable donation by TomTom.”
Assuming they can find their way to the bank, with the aid of 13 satellites and four E-8 J-STARS surveillance military aircraft – but, sadly, not Jeremy’s inspired remarks…
Story References: The Guardian
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