Crisis Management Is Not Our Best Subject

Jimmy Carter in his homebase Nashville.

When our performers run into trouble, the public relation arms of the industry seem to fold. I've taught crisis management in a PR class at Belmont so I know the information is around. Just not implemented.

From the DUI to marital dysfunction, bad news just happens. Most of the time how you handle those unpleasant events won't float or sink a career. Then there are other times!

"Dixie Chicking" is now a description of what can happen to your career when the Internet witch mob comes screaming down your street. They will tie you to the big stick and set you on fire. The PR people here seem ill prepared to fight back. The Dixie Chick featured a butt-headed client and impotent PR support.

Jason Aldean got some bad press this week but not vicious. Marital problems. The PR folks, to their credit, threw out a statement and hushed the wolves.

Billy Currington is another story. Billy vs. the Old Man tour boat operator has been huge. The indictment read "terroristic threats" and that makes it sound like Bill had joined up with Al Qaeda. Not the case at all. It was a Georgia criminal code statue to be used when people make threats.

"Terroristic threats" sounds horrible. With all the witnesses it would seem Billy is in trouble. The police narrative says Billy arrived cursing and throwing a "double bird"... When he threatened the boat captain by saying that he and his brothers would "catch the man in the river" and "finish him off". Whoops ... jackpot time

The facts of the case are damning ... The lawyers have most likely shut everyone down. But the prosecution has the basically convicted him in the media ... something needed to be said, but on the other hand the "terroristic threat" law is a tough one. No wrist slaps, still Billy needed a defense this week! The jury pool has been brainwashed against him.

That is a serious case and requires a legal direction for the handlers. But to say nothing and make no effort to get Billy's side out seems poor.

At minimum an explanation of the "terroristic threat" statue and say Billy is not a terrorist!

One of these days, one of the golden boys or girls are going to step into the abortion or gun control debate. That might be like sticking one's hand in a meat grinder. Are the handlers on Music Row playing offense or defense on that one!?

Duck Dynasty beats Idol in the ratings? Shouldn't all the cool stations be giving out camouflage?

Congrats to Dierks ... wife is expecting baby #3 in the Fall.

Nashville going out with a bang Tuesday a huge explosion during a night shoot Tuesday to Wed morning. Somebody is going to get blown up ... WHO?