How 'Duck Dynasty' Will Survive (and Thrive) Post-Phil Robertson Scandal

ATT | YAHOO! TV ^ | 12/19/2013 | Suzy Byrne

[rocksblues]

Its patriarch has been indefinitely suspended. Activist groups like GLAAD and the NAACP are piling on. The Robertson family "can't imagine" the show without Phil "at the helm."

But are "Duck Dynasty's" days numbered in the wake of the patriarch's polarizing comments on gays and African Americans?

Far from it.

"This controversy will quickly pass and do no damage to the brand," says David E. Johnson, CEO of the PR and branding agency Strategic Vision LLC. "The reason is that the controversy reinforced the brand image. The brand image of Robertson and 'Duck Dynasty' is that they speak their minds and live their lives as they believe best. His comments reinforced that image."

[Related: Battle Lines Are Being Drawn Over 'Duck Dynasty' Dad's Suspension]

Indeed, the mobilization of die-hard "Duck" aficionados may only make the hit reality series even bigger when it returns to the airwaves on Jan. 15. But based on a survey of experts, A&E's swift, decisive move to suspend Robertson was the right one.

"I'm sure the A&E executives are sitting around a table going, 'We don't want another Paula Deen moment … We don't want to lose one of our biggest talents, but we're not going to put up with this kind of speech,'" crisis-PR strategist Howard Bragman tells "omg! Insider."

[papertyger]

Most of the Duck Commander calls are all plastic ... will easily survive being kept in pocket or purse.

And they're available at Walmart, you say?

[concerned about politics]

A & E should have learned something from the JCPenney homofest.

Yep. They never recovered from their pro-homo campaign.
I walked by Pennys at the mall about a week ago, and the place looked like an empty used goods store. It was just plain ugly looking. It looked dirty. The items must have been sitting there for years.

[NorthMountain]

Don’t know ... I didn’t see any duck calls last time I was at Walmart. YMMV.

I get them at Cabela’s. The Duck Commander website also sells them.

[JoyjoyfromNJ]

I saw real Duck COMMANDER duck calls at Dick’s Sporting Goods a few weeks ago. Make sure you buy duck COMMANDER, not Duck Dynasty products. A&E owes the DD name & line so gets most, if not all, the profits.

[papertyger]

Yep. They never recovered from their pro-homo campaign. I walked by Pennys at the mall about a week ago, and the place looked like an empty used goods store. It was just plain ugly looking. It looked dirty. The items must have been sitting there for years.

As satisfying as that may be, I'd REALLY like to hear about Dan Savage getting "Quacked-down" at one of his hate-fest lectures.

[Obadiah]

That is so accurate.

[RightGeek]

"I'd suggest making a humble admission of crossing a line publicly, which he has done, and a sincere apology to those he offended," says Eric Schiffer, chairman of Reputation Management Consultants. After that, he suggests Robertson sit down for "a one-on-one interview with a trusted host, preferably from the gay and lesbian community, or someone that is popular amongst the LGBT community."

Absolutely the worst advice ever.

[papertyger]

PLUSEQUALS

[Cats Pajamas]

http://duckcommander.com/store/novelties

here is link-just placed order for duck call, ornament, cookbook, etc. Love them Robertsons.

[ßuddaßudd]

O K

[USFRIENDINVICTORIA]

LOL!

That’s a great idea. Imagine thousands of Quackers lining the route of the next gay “pride” parade. It would be hilarious!

[buffaloguy]

Phil is now a Rock Star to most Americans because of his unwillingness to knuckle under for a bag of silver.

Carry on Phil.....

[Fledermaus]

A&E Execs are pussy pajama boys and are just stupid.

I hope A&E goes bye bye.

[Fledermaus]

F the gays...all less than 3% of the population.

[baddog 219]

[leapfrog0202]

Great comments and the number of people liking the conservative comments vs. those disliking them is huge! I think A&E really messed up and had no idea what kind of storm they were unleashing.

I appreciate you sharing this.

[MissMagnolia]

.... gave them a long “quuuaaaccckkk” out the window ...

Too funny .... my laugh of the day!

[Travis McGee]

[ealgeone]

As Phil might say,”uh no...that’s not gonna happen.”

[Rebelbase]

I don’t think anyone but the Robertson’s know how their future as reality TV show stars will turn.

IMO, they hit the lottery and if it’s run its course they’re not going to violate their values to keep it going. They had fulfilling lives before celebrity and will have the same after.