Why does Michael Johnson work for the BBC?

Question

I don't mean this in a bad way at all.

I just wonder why he chooses the BBC over an American network to be a commentator, surely he would earn more money in America. He's a really big sports star isn't he?

Answer 1

he gets paid more than working with NBC America.

Answer 2

I thought exactly the same thing!! But after going to america and watching their coverage of the olympics ...its definatly not as good as in the UK. Becus they dont hav the format where they have the 3 presenters tht they keep coming back to. Its just constantly commentators on MSNBC and then on NBC the news reporters just do bits of presenting with most of their coverage based on Phelps! Tbh I dont think he would earn any more in the US than he would in the UK.  

Answer 3

Easy money at the BBC ask Alan Hansen

Answer 4

Good question and I have no real answer but I do hope he continues to do it as he is a great great addition to any team of commentators talking about athletics.

On a lighter side, I think he has a crush on Sue Barker and who could blame him?

Answer 5

I can only echo what has been said before - the BBC sports coverage is far more superior than any other TV channel in the world and to be quite honest, when you are an athletics superstar like Michael Johnson you only want to work for the best!!

Long may he continue - his knowledge and pure unbiasness (is that a word?) is a joy to watch and listen to!

Answer 6

Due to the power of the ol' American Dollar he probably is making more money else where.  Plus Ato Boldon the great Trinidad And Tobago sprinter is working in America

Answer 7

Because he is a good commentator.

Answer 8

I heard somewhere that he had a big fallout with the execs at NBC so came to work for the BBC. Good guy though always gives good and honest opinions.

Answer 9

As other people have already answered, the BBC sport coverage is well renowned as being the best. No commercials to interrupt events and a lot of money is ploughed in from our TV licences. Also Johnson has said that he is disappointed in the lack of athlete interest in the states, and NBC and him have had some disagreements in the past.  Actually I reckon he gets paid more by the BBC than he would as a commentator in the US.

Answer 10

Don't underestimate the size of a BBC audience both in the UK and world wide. There's also a quality issue and a network with no commercials. You'd realise just how good the BBC coverage was if you were to watch someone elses. American coverage of sport is truly dreadful and over commercialised. It doesn't surprise me at all that he works for the BBC on these occasions. It's probably the only network that lives up to his own very high standards. (wasn't he amazingly unbiased? he spoke more about British sport than American sport, cheered the Jamaicans on etc etc). I'm also really glad that F1 is moving to the BBC from ITV next year. The constant adverts totally ruin the event.

Answer 11

BBC sports coverage is world renowned as being the best. You can download BBC Olympic coverage torrents and lots of people do because it is so much better that USA coverage which is so biassed. Michael Johnson is a Gentleman and I guess he likes doing it.

Interesting Guardian article/blog

http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/tv/2008/08/m...

Answer 12

I also think Colin Jackson has a crush on him, but its true Sue Barkers a real hottie!