Sunday, December 22, 2013

If A&E Drops "Duck" Plenty Of Competitors Are Waiting In The Wings

Cable Channels Get in Line to Pick Up 'Duck Dynasty'

Image: Cable Channels Get in Line to Pick Up 'Duck Dynasty'
Sunday, 22 Dec 2013 08:54 AM
By Audrey Hudson
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Cable networks are getting in line to pick up "Duck Dynasty" should the A&E Channel follow through with its threat to suspend the Robertson family's patriarch from the hit program in next year's season.

The Hunt Channel and Pursuit Channel are the front-runners should the show get the axe, TMZ reports.

"We believe in the Second Amendment and freedom of speech ... A&E needs to put on their big boy pants, and if they don't like the programming, they need to either let [the show] go or shut up and pay them," said Merrill Sport, owner of the popular Hunt Channel.

Rusty Faulk, CEO of the outdoor-oriented channel called Pursuit, said they would gladly pick up the show and protect the cast against future threats of censorship.

However, it won't be a quick landing for the duck dudes, as the A&E contract prevents the cast from jumping to another network for a certain period of time, TMZ reported.

The controversy erupted after an interview with Phil Robertson was published in GQ magazine.

Robertson discussed his views on gay relationships as sinful behavior, and paraphrased a Bible passage from Corinthians that sinners would not inherit the kingdom of God.

The comments lost the show a key sponsorship from Cracker Barrel, but other heavy hitters such as Walmart are standing by the show that reaches millions of viewers.

Interestingly, President Barack Obama said he was a fan of the reality show earlier this year when he had the opportunity to meet some of the cast members during the White House Correspondents' Dinner, the Daily Caller reports.

Obama reportedly said he loved the show, and often watched it on Air Force One.

Related stories: © 2013 Newsmax. All rights reserved.

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