Who Sounds More Regretful? (Updated)
Posted April 9th, 2007 by Rich Heldenfels
CBS and NBC statements about Don Imus, after the jump. As you read them, you should also take a look at Gwen Ifill's take on all this. I found that on Jim Romenesko's site where you can also find links to some especially craven remarks by a couple of journalists kissing up to Imus.
Here's how CBS announced Imus's radio suspension:
Due to the events of the past week, CBS Radio will suspend Don Imus and the broadcast of his show for a period of two weeks, effective Monday, April 16. The program will continue to broadcast this week due to WFAN’s previously scheduled on-air charity fundraiser on Thursday, April 12 and Friday, April 13.
And here's what NBC offered re Imus telecasts on MSNBC:
Beginning Monday, April 16, MSNBC will suspend simulcasting the syndicated "Imus in the Morning" radio program for two weeks. This comes after careful consideration in the days since his racist, abhorrent comments were made. Don Imus has expressed profound regret and embarrassment and has made a commitment to listen to all of those who have raised legitimate expressions of outrage. In addition, his dedication - in his words - to change the discourse on his program moving forward, has confirmed for us that this action is appropriate. Our future relationship with Imus is contingent on his ability to live up to his word.
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 will air, as scheduled, this Thursday and Friday on MSNBC.
I should add that my own distaste for Imus is long-standing, and I have rarely written about him as a result. Putting aside the latest controversy, I've generally found him unfunny and mean. In a 1994 column, I referred to him as a reason to hit the search button on the radio.
April 10th, 2007 at 2:44 pm
The two week suspension by NBC news is already over the top. The Imus show is the only worthwhile program on MSNBC. From 9a to 4p MSNBC focuses on ambulance chases, celebrity scandal and other bottom feeding news reporting (MSNBC-All Anna Nicole-all the time!). From 4p to 10p we get the loud Carlson, Matthews, Olberman et all with there shouting & huge egos. Then MSNBC offers reruns until the next business day. I wonder what Gen. David Sarnoff would think.
April 10th, 2007 at 7:27 pm
The suspension is wishy washy–he should either be fired or left alone. Imus will get a great ratings bump once the suspension is over and the controversy will probably bring in more longterm listeners.
I can't stand the guy but he reflects the negative, mean-spirited bent of the entertainment/media industry these days.