[NOW Actions] No Reward for Imus

Support NOW's Work |	October 8, 2007	| Tell a Friend

Action Needed Background All NOW Actions More about NOW and media		No Reward for Imus Imus back on the air? No way! Radio superpower Citadel broadcasting thinks it's time -- Let's show Citadel what women (and the men who care) think about putting Imus back on the air, just as we are about to enter women's college basketball season. Take Action NOW Radio host Don Imus set off a firestorm six months ago by referring to the Rutgers women's basketball team as "nappy-headed hos." Imus had a long history of racist and sexist comments, and we finally reached the boiling point. After over 30,000 messages from NOW activists like you, we met face-to-face with top brass at CBS and NBC. Both companies dumped Imus and his executive producer Bernard McGuirk, who had also used coarse and degrading language about the players. Imus publicly apologized, but then he turned right around and threatened to sue CBS for firing him. In fact, he settled with the network for somewhere between $10 million and $20 million, according to the Washington Post. Now, news reports claim that Citadel Broadcasting, owner of ABC Radio Networks, is considering bringing Imus back to the public airwaves. Imus' new show would air in the mornings on Citadel's flagship station, WABC in New York City, and also be syndicated on radio stations throughout the country. McGuirk's return is uncertain but probable -- hey, once you've given the microphone to one misogynist, why not one more . . . While negotiations are under way, no contract has been signed yet, so it's not too late for you to take action. Citadel's chief executive, Farid Suleman, told The New York Times that Imus has "more than paid the price for what he did." Does $10 million in your bank account and a six month vacation sound like paying a price? Imus is also seeking a television outlet that will simulcast his show as MSNBC did. The soon-to-be-launched Fox Business Network is one possibility. No speculation yet on how much money Imus stands to make from potential deals with Citadel and Fox. Last time we called you to action, you sent more than 30,000 messages to CBS and NBC. And it worked! This time, tell Citadel Broadcasting, the owners of ABC Radio, that its listeners deserve better than the same old derogatory shtick of Imus and company. Take Action NOW! Send this message to your friends -- let's turn those 30,000 messages into 300,000! Even after Citadel signs Imus, your messages can still have an impact. Send a letter today, before Imus hits the public airwaves.
SUPPORT NOW: Support NOW's Work for Equal Rights | Join NOW | Monthly Giving | Shop Online TAKE ACTION: Get Involved | Find Your Nearest Chapter | Tell a Friend | Learn More LISTS: Unsubscribe, Edit Profile | Subscribe | All Lists