When Discovery Communications rolled out its Animal Planet channel 10 years ago, executives needed a star to lift it above the usual staid documentaries that were wildlife shows. So they found the
late Steve Irwin, the sometimes "bug-eyed Australian" who didn't hesitate to put himself in danger--and he set the channel apart in a crowded cable universe. "He was probably the first real star the
channel had," says Billy Campbell, president of Discovery Networks U.S. But with his death last week, Discovery is looking for new stars to fill the void. One, like Jeff Corwin, is already in the
Irwin mold--but Discovery is putting a lot of hope behind its first female explorer, "Ms. Adventure," comedian Rachel Reenstra. Her show, which debuts next spring, will travel the world, observing
animal relationships and applying them to humans. Media analyst Andy Baker says that Irwin's loss shouldn't cause a ratings drop, as the "Crocodile Hunter" audience has held steady for the past year.
But trying to replace him could be risky. "He's a one-of-a-kind personality," Baker says. "When you try to get someone to be the wild, outrageous guy, it is going to fall flat."
advertisement
advertisement
Read the whole story at Associated Press via Arizona Star »
