New Controversy: Who Owns the Video Tape of Steve Irwin's Death?

The debate over the video taped footage of the Crocodile Hunter Steve Irwin's death shows no signs of slowing.  The wonderful man that brought education and entertainment to many kids and adults alike about wildlife has been laid to rest, but people are still trying desperately to get the video shown.

New Controversy: Who Owns the Video Tape of Steve Irwin's Death?

Now the latest controversy that has risen - who owns the video tape of Steve Irwin's death? 

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One would believe it would be the Irwin estate.  But IF Magazine cites an unidentified spokesperson for the Discovery Channel, which frequently airs Irwin’s TV and film productions, admits “it was a question we have not raised yet,” as to who will eventually own the footage.

The web site reports that despite calls for its destruction, the family of the late Steve Irwin fears that the footage of the naturalist’s death will be made public.

It is not known if the tape has been copied.

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The biggest fear (or hope for those that wish to see it) is that it will leak on the internet. 

The NY Daily News is reporting that the "Crocodile Hunter's" tragic passing had been anticipated by the Discovery Channel since the earliest days of his hit show, a network insider reveals.

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The paper reports:

The development of Animal Planet personality Jeff Corwin was part of its strategy to maintain ratings if Irwin's risky work cost him his life.

"Discovery wanted a contingency plan in case, and we kept having the discussions about what would happen if Steve died," says the insider. "We mostly knew that the kids loved him and that there would have to be a quick replacement to keep the audience happy."

There were also conversations about how the network would break the news of his death to its youngest viewers, according to the source.

An Animal Planet spokesman told columnist Ben Widdicombe: "There is no media plan in terms of the passing of any of our talent. If these discussions are true, they're probably five or six years old."

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The 44-year-old conservationist and TV personality was killed Sept. 4 after being struck in the chest by a stingray's barb while filming a documentary on the Great Barrier Reef.

Steve was privately laid to rest in a low-key ceremony in Queensland, Australia, his father, manager and friend said at a press conference Monday.

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Irwin's close pal Wes Mannion revealed that a public memorial will be put in place so fans can pay their respects.  "We are planning to have a public memorial next Tuesday or Wednesday, at somewhere like Suncorp Stadium (in Brisbane). The finalizing of this venue will only take place after the Queensland Police have assessed the suitability of all possible sites. We will keep you updated over the next day or so to the exact day and time."

He added that the matter of the burial would be kept private.

--Jon Shanks