Louisiana’s Lieutenant Governor: Duck Dynasty is important to state tourism

Louisiana’s Lieutenant Governor Jay Dardenne says Duck Dynasty reality show is important to state tourism and he could help connect the Robertson family with new producers if they cannot reach agreement with A&E Networks.

A&E Networks suspended Phil Robertson last week over anti-gay remarks during GQ magazine interview.

“Regardless of one’s views on Phil Robertson’s statements, Duck Dynasty has been an important representation of the state of Louisiana, inspiring prospective visitors and investors since its debut,” Lt. Governor Jay Dardenne said in a statement emailed Saturday.

Duck Dynasty is produced around the Robertson family’s home base in Ouachita Parish. KNOE-TV of Monroe reported in February that the show was bringing people from around the country who wouldn’t otherwise stop in northeast Louisiana. The Duck Commander warehouse has become a tourist attraction, said Alana Cooper, director of the Monroe-West Monroe Visitors and Convention Bureau.

Jay Dardenne, whose job includes running the Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism, said the audience of tens of millions is eager to visit Louisiana.

“If the Robertson family cannot come to an agreement with A&E and wants to continue the show, Louisiana already has the infrastructure in place to maintain their record-breaking program,” he wrote.

Jay Dardenne, who authored the state’s film and TV tax credit program, said he would use his influence in the state’s industry to help the Robertsons.

Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal said Thursday that everyone is entitled to express their opinions.

More than 1.7 million fans have liked an impromptu Facebook page titled Boycott A&E Until Phil Robertson Is Put Back On Duck Dynasty – one of numerous pages with similar names, though none of the others has even 1 percent as many “Likes”.