So I guess it doesn't matter how openly racist or sexist you are, or that you got fired because of how openly racist and sexist you are, someone will hire you. Don Imus has been picked up by Citadel Broadcasting where he will be on in the morning on WABC-AM.
Terms of the deal were not disclosed, but industry observers believe his new contract is worth somewhere between $5 million and $8 million a year. Imus replaces Ron Kuby and Curtis Sliwa, who have hosted a popular show on WABC for eight years. Kuby didn't hide his dissatisfaction during his final broadcast, taking a swipe at Citadel Broadcasting, which bought WABC last year: "Our show has enjoyed the best audience: intelligent, compassionate, decent and kind. The new owners don't want that kind of show."As before, Imus will be accompanied by Charles McCord and other sidekicks. However, there was no word whether Imus producer Bernard McGuirk will be returning as well. In their previous CBS show, McGuirk prompted Imus to make the racist and sexist remark that stirred controversy and eventually got them both fired. After McGuirk called the Rutgers' female basketball players "some hard-core hos," Imus elaborated on the description, calling them "nappy-headed hos."
I can't believe they are bumping Curtis and Kuby for Imus. Even though Curtis is a rabid conservative and I haven't listened to their show in years. But still, hiring Don Imus, who was fired because of his inability to keep in check his shock jock sensibilities, sends the message loud and clear that it is OK to publicly humiliate young black women and still get a job.
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What a shame. Unfortunately, as long as Imus and his kind have an audience, the show will go on. :( Need an excuse to raise your blood pressure? Flip your car radio over to AM for a whopping taste of right-wing crazy. Imus is just one of many.
For all of the furor over Imus' initial comments, where is the outrage that WABC is welcoming him back on the air? Where is the call for a boycott of show sponsors? Why isn't Imus' comeback as big a story as his departure? Anyone?
Crickets chirping...
Seems like everyone has moved on. This just confirms my belief that verbal abuse toward women, particularly black women, isn't really viewed as a big deal in this society. The media, Al Sharpton and all the usual suspects made a lot of noise, but what ultimately happened? A noted sexist and racist is back on the air with a multi-million dollar contract, and his slur will become just a footnote to his career.
Al Sharpton responded. He is so angry he admits to taking anti-ironic injustice medication to deal with it.
http://www.newsgroper.com/al-sharpton/2007/11/06/imus-means-free-unlimited-healthcare-planet/