Australia's own Steve Irwin, aka the Crocodile Hunter, has caused quite the media storm by taking his one- (1) month old son, Bob, into a crocodile enclosure during a feed exhibition.
Everyone is taking a bite out of the Croc Hunter (that's 2 puns so far!) and his public image has taken a battering.
Steve appeared on a major Australian current affair show tonight to answer his critics. He was his usual passionate self and seemed quite upset at the controversy.
Stepping back and taking a look at what's happened teaches us a couple of things.
1. You have to be very aware and sensitive to the media. They can chew you up and spit you out in an instant.
2. I always assumed that Steve was a classic media manipulator with a great act - after seeing him struggle tonight it seems like he just might be genuine. By crikey!
3. His strategy to defend himself has been fairly effective - he got himself in front of the media with his supportive wife by his side. He said the "right" things. And he appeared to be genuine.
One avenue he hasn't used effectively is his web site. His media section hasn't been updated since 2000. A home page mention of the incident and Steve's thoughts, along with a media release, would have been very useful.
In the wash up of all this, my guess is you'll find a more wary Steve Irwin with, possibly, more public support due to his obvious love and devotion to his family.
Cheers.
Brendon
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