ITV sends Gurney founders on leave

ITV has temporarily suspended the founders of its US prodco Gurney Productions, the firm behind recently cancelled Duck Dynasty, amid an internal financial investigation.

Deirdre and Scott Gurney

Staff at the reality TV firm were told that Scott and Deirdre Gurney have been placed on a “short, temporary leave of absence” and are “no longer responsible for day-to-day operations of the company.” No charges have been filed.

UK commercial broadcaster ITV has brought in 5×5 Media co-founder Craig Armstrong to serve as interim CEO of Gurney.

A Gurney representative told C21: “The board of Gurney Productions is currently in discussion with Scott and Deirdre Gurney about future arrangements with them.

“Craig Armstrong has been appointed interim CEO of Gurney Productions.

“Craig is an Emmy Award-winning producer whose credits include King of the Nerds for TBS, CBS’s Survivor, ABC’s Extreme Makeover: Home Edition and Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution. Craig, along with his producing partner Rick Ringbakk, is co-founder and co-CEO of 5×5 Media, which will continue to operate as before.”

Duck Dynasty is set to end after its 11th season

ITV America chief operating officer Chris Valentini will also help oversee Gurney Productions, according to reports.

The news comes after A&E in the US last month brought down the curtain on Gurney’s reality hit Duck Dynasty, with the 11th season set to be its last.

Gurney, which was bought by ITV for US$40m in 2012 following the show’s premiere, and has been sold around the world including in Europe, Asia and Canada.

The show, about a family running a duck-call business, debuted in 2012 and became a huge hit for the cablenet. Gurney has struggled to match the success of the show since, however.

Gurney Productions produces under the ITV America umbrella.