Paula Deen is on the comeback trail and may be back on the air before long, Fool contributor Tim Beyers says in the following video.
She recently played to a full audience at a Dallas cooking show and enjoyed a standing ovation. Other fans have taken to the Internet to bemoan the media's treatment of the beleaguered celebrity chef. There's also the case of Thomas George Paculis, who is due to serve two years in federal prison for attempting to extort $200,000 from Deen.
Add it up, Tim says, and there's a sense of momentum investors should be paying attention to -- especially those who own shares of Food Network parent Scripps Interactive (SNI), which are up more than 15% since Deen's troubles first began. He nevertheless expects a deal to put her back on the air because Deen's popularity would translate to ratings and ultimately revenue. The Food Network and Scripps' network of related lifestyle media channels account for more than 90% of revenue and all of its operating income.
Now it's your turn to weigh in. Do you want Deen back? Would you short Scripps if she returned to the air? Please watch the video to get Tim's full take and then let us know where you stand in the comments box below.
