Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Abstract: The present study assesses audience involvement with one of the most popular television personalities of the current decade, the late Steve Irwin. Also known affectionately as the Crocodile Hunter, Irwin burst upon the international scene in 1992. During the next 14 years he mesmerized millions of television viewers through his programs, films and television specials broadcast on Animal Planet. Through a web-based survey, more than 1800 media consumers from the U.S., the U.K., Australia and Canada shared their responses to Steve Irwin’s death. Results show that Irwin was considered to be a hero and an influential role model for wildlife conservation. As hypothesized, those most involved with Irwin were more likely to increase their support of wildlife conservation and give financial donations to Wildlife Warriors, Irwin’s conservation. Implications of these findings on the international influence of popular celebrities are discussed.