Don Imus, the politically incorrect curmudgeon who has enjoyed a long career on radio and been a ratings builder in the mornings on MSNBC has been suspended — from the radio and MSNBC:
After a career of cranky insults, radio star Don Imus was fighting for his job Monday following one joke that by his own admission went “way too far.�
CBS Radio and MSNBC both said they were suspending Imus’ morning talk show for two weeks following his reference last week to members of the Rutgers women’s basketball team as “nappy-headed hos.�
The suspension begins next Monday.
Note that this isn’t a cancellation but a suspension. And Imus’ career and role in garnering audiences is strong enough so all along it was likely that he would essentially be given one more chance to adjust in these politically correct times. But, even so, the controversy this time went BEYOND something that was mildly politically incorrect. Read Dr. Clarissa Pinkola Estes’ earlier TMV column HERE.
While CBS made its announcement without comment, MSNBC said Imus’ regret at making the inappropriate comment and his stated dedication to changing the show’s discourse made it believe this was the appropriate response.
“Our future relationship with Imus is contingent on his ability to live up to his word,� the network said. MSNBC simulcasts his radio program weekday mornings.
Imus continued to apologize Monday, both on his show and on a syndicated radio program hosted by the Rev. Al Sharpton, who is among several black leaders demanding his ouster.
Both MSNBC and CBS Radio said they would go ahead and air the previously scheduled Imus radiothon in support of the Tomorrow’s Children’s Fund, the CJ Foundation for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome research and the Imus Ranch planned for Thursday and Friday.
Even amid continued pressure, it’s unlikely Imus’ show would be canceled. Aside from his role in radio and TV, he has received good (and justifiably so) publicity for his work with sick children. His show has also been a favorite among Washington and media elites, but not usually a favorite with whoever occupied the White House.
While CBS made its announcement without comment, MSNBC said Imus’ regret at making the inappropriate comment and his stated dedication to changing the show’s discourse made it believe this was the appropriate response.
“Our future relationship with Imus is contingent on his ability to live up to his word,� the network said. MSNBC simulcasts his radio program weekday mornings.
Imus continued to apologize Monday, both on his show and on a syndicated radio program hosted by the Rev. Al Sharpton, who is among several black leaders demanding his ouster.
Both MSNBC and CBS Radio said they would go ahead and air the previously scheduled Imus radiothon in support of the Tomorrow’s Children’s Fund, the CJ Foundation for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome research and the Imus Ranch planned for Thursday
In essence, he’ll be off and then be “on probation” when he comes back to see if he can work within the early 21st century’s new acceptable boundaries. Many radio “shock jocks” who get good ratings already do.
SOME ADDITIONAL RELATED READING:
Don Imus : Racism, Sexism, or Just Bad Taste?
Imus critics say apologies are hollow
Racist, sexist call gets US jock in trouble (Australia)
Why Imus Is the Best Interviewer on the Air
Don Imus Rutgers Controversy Not Going Away
Fire Don Imus
Joe Gandelman is a former fulltime journalist who freelanced in India, Spain, Bangladesh and Cypress writing for publications such as the Christian Science Monitor and Newsweek. He also did radio reports from Madrid for NPR’s All Things Considered. He has worked on two U.S. newspapers and quit the news biz in 1990 to go into entertainment. He also has written for The Week and several online publications, did a column for Cagle Cartoons Syndicate and has appeared on CNN.