John Donald "Don" Imus, Jr. (born July 23, 1940) is an American humorist, philanthropist, writer, radio and television talk show host in the mold of a shock jock.^[1] Imus is a member of the National Radio Hall of Fame and the host of Imus in the Morning, a morning talk show on WABC Radio and RFD-TV. is the 204th day of the year (205th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1940 (MCMXL) was a leap year starting on Monday (link will display the full 1940 calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... A humorist is an author who specializes in short, humorous articles or essays. ... A philanthropist is someone who engages in philanthropy; that is, someone who donates his or her time, money, or reputation to a charitable cause. ... A writer is anyone who creates a written work, although the word more usually designates those who write creatively or professionally, or those who have written in many different forms. ... Talk Show Host is a song written and performed by Radiohead. ... A shock jock is a slang term used to describe a type of radio broadcaster (sometimes a disk jockey) who attracts attention using humor that a significant portion of the listening audience may find offensive. ... The National Radio Hall of Fame and Museum, an offshoot of the Museum of Broadcast Communications in Chicago, Illinois, recognizes and showcases those who have contributed to the development of the medium throughout its history in the United States. ... Imus in the Morning is an American talk show hosted by radio personality Don Imus on ABC Radio and RFD-TV. The show originated on 66 WNBC-AM in New York City in 1971. ...

Personal life

Imus was born in Riverside, California.^[2] He served in the Marine Corps from 1957 to 1959. Nickname: Location in the state of California Coordinates: , Country State County Riverside Government  - Mayor Ron Loveridge Area  - City  78. ... The United States Marine Corps (USMC) is a branch of the United States military responsible for providing power projection from the sea,[1] utilizing the mobility of the U.S. Navy to rapidly deliver combined-arms task forces. ...

Imus had battled alcoholism during his early career in New York, but in 1987 finally pursued effective treatment. (As of 2006, he says that he has remained sober for 18 years and counting^[3]). In 1988, with his cocaine and alcohol addictions now part of his self-publicity, Imus reshaped his show from strictly comedy into a forum for political issues, charitable causes and news-based parodies. Year 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... Drug addiction, or dependency is the compulsive use of drugs, to the point where the user has no effective choice but to continue use. ... In contemporary usage, a parody (or lampoon) is a work that imitates another work in order to ridicule, ironically comment on, or poke some affectionate fun at the work itself, the subject of the work, the author or fictional voice of the parody, or another subject. ...

In 1979, he divorced his first wife, Harriett. He married his second wife, Deirdre Coleman on December 17, 1994. He has four daughters from his first marriage and one son, Frederick Wyatt (nicknamed Wyatt, born July 3, 1998), from his current marriage. Both Don and Deirdre Imus are vegetarians. Deirdre Coleman Imus fat coc k(born 1964) is the founder and president of the Deirdre Imus Environmental Center for Pediatric Oncology, part of [[Hackensack cleaning products. ... December 17 is the 351st day of the year (352nd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1994 (MCMXCIV) The year 1994 was designated as the International Year of the Family and the International Year of the Sport and the Olympic Ideal by the United Nations. ... EXAMPLE:Laughbox,Blondie,BamBam,Pinkie,etc. ... is the 184th day of the year (185th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1998 (MCMXCVIII) was a common year starting on Thursday (link will display full 1998 Gregorian calendar). ... A variety of vegetarian food ingredients Vegetarianism is the practice of a diet that excludes all animal flesh, including poultry, game, fish, shellfish or crustacea, and slaughter by-products. ...

In 1999, Imus and his wife founded the Imus Ranch, a working cattle ranch near Ribera, New Mexico, 50 miles southeast of Santa Fe. The Imus Ranch is a charitable organization for children with cancer, as well as siblings of SIDS victims. Between Memorial Day and Labor Day each year, the Imus family goes to the New Mexico ranch. Until the cancellation of his show on April 12, 2007, Imus would broadcast from a studio there, while the rest of his cast broadcast from New York and New Jersey. In 2000, Imus suffered serious injuries after a fall from a horse at his ranch, and broadcast several shows from a hospital. The Imus Ranch is a working cattle ranch of nearly 4,000 acres located in Ribera, New Mexico, 50 miles northeast of Santa Fe. ... This is the the site of the Imus Ranch, where MSNBC morning program Imus in the Morning sometimes broadcastes from. ... Nickname: Location in Santa Fe County, New Mexico Coordinates: , Country State County Santa Fe Founded ca. ... Cancer is a class of diseases or disorders characterized by uncontrolled division of cells and the ability of these to spread, either by direct growth into adjacent tissue through invasion, or by implantation into distant sites by metastasis (where cancer cells are transported through the bloodstream or lymphatic system). ... Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is a syndrome marked by the symptoms of sudden and unexplained death of an apparently healthy infant aged one month to one year. ... Memorial Day is a United States federal holiday that is observed on the last Monday of May (observed this year on 2007-05-28). ... This article is about the holiday in the United States. ... is the 102nd day of the year (103rd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... Binomial name Equus caballus Linnaeus, 1758 The horse (Equus caballus, sometimes seen as a subspecies of the Wild Horse, Equus ferus caballus) is a large odd-toed ungulate mammal, one of ten modern species of the genus Equus. ...

Imus maintains three residences, one in Manhattan, another in Westport, Connecticut, and one in Ribera, New Mexico.^[4] For other uses, see Manhattan (disambiguation). ... Location in Connecticut Coordinates: NECTA Bridgeport-Stamford Region South Western Region Incorporated 1835 Government  - Type Representative town meeting  - First selectman Gordon F. Joseloff  - Town meeting moderator Alice H. Shelton Area  - City 86. ... Official language(s) English Capital Hartford Largest city Bridgeport[3] Largest metro area Hartford Metro Area[2] Area  Ranked 48th  - Total 5,543[4] sq mi (14,356 km²)  - Width 70 miles (113 km)  - Length 110 miles (177 km)  - % water 12. ... This is the the site of the Imus Ranch, where MSNBC morning program Imus in the Morning sometimes broadcastes from. ... Capital Santa Fe Largest city Albuquerque Largest metro area Albuquerque metropolitan area Area  Ranked 5th  - Total 121,665 sq mi (315,194 km²)  - Width 342 miles (550 km)  - Length 370 miles (595 km)  - % water 0. ...

Early career

Imus began as a radio disc jockey on June 28, 1968 at radio station KUTY in Palmdale, California.^[5] After hearing the morning disc-jockey, he went to the nearby station and persuaded the owner to hire him, saying he could do a better job. At the time, he was a brakeman on the Southern Pacific Railroad.^[6] He stayed at the station until 1969^[7] when he left for a job at KJOY, a small radio station in Stockton, California. He was later fired for saying "hell" on air.^[8] After being fired in Stockton, he went to KXOA in Sacramento, California. His on-air pranks, such as calling up a restaurant and ordering 1200 hamburgers to go, made his show immensely popular and boosted ratings. He was inspired to pursue a career in radio from listening to California radio personality Don MacKinnon. For other meanings of DJ, see DJ (disambiguation). ... is the 179th day of the year (180th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1968 (MCMLXVIII) was a leap year starting on Monday (link will display full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... Motto: Aerospace Capital of America Location of Palmdale in Los Angeles County, California Coordinates: , Country United States of America State California County Los Angeles Government  - Mayor James C. Ledford Jr. ... The Southern Pacific Railroad (AAR reporting marks SP) was an American railroad. ... Also: 1969 (number) 1969 (movie) 1969 (Stargate SG-1) episode. ... Nickname: Motto: Stocktons Great, Take A Look! Location in San Joaquin County and the state of California Coordinates: , Country State County San Joaquin Incorporated 1850 Government  - Mayor Edward J. Chavez  - City Manager J. Gordon Palmer, Jr. ... KXOA was a Sacramento, CA radio station that existed on both AM and FM (in various incarnations) between 1945 and 2004. ... Sacramento redirects here. ... Don MacKinnon KEWB 1961 Donald James MacKinnon (January 2, 1934 - June 1965) was an American disc-jockey (DJ) and a well known Top 40 radio personality. ...

Imus in the Morning

Main article: Imus in the Morning

After a stint at WGAR radio in Cleveland, Ohio, Imus moved to New York City and WNBC radio in December 1971, where he gained a reputation as a loose cannon who often favored crude humor. During this first stint at WNBC, Imus recorded three record albums, two for the RCA Victor label, (1200 Hamburgers to Go, including some of his more popular humor from KXOA, WGAR and WNBC broadcasts, and One Sacred Chicken to Go, a primarily studio-created album centering on his satirical character, The Right Rev. Dr. Billy Sol Hargis) and one for the Bang label (This Honky's Nuts, an album of his stand up comedy act at the Manhattan nightclub "Jimmy's"). There was also a 1973 RCA Victor single, "Son of Checkers," issued by Imus. Imus in the Morning is an American talk show hosted by radio personality Don Imus on ABC Radio and RFD-TV. The show originated on 66 WNBC-AM in New York City in 1971. ... WHKW is an AM radio station in Cleveland, Ohio, USA, operating on 1220 kHz. ... Cleveland redirects here. ... Sony BMG Music Entertainment is the result of a 50/50 joint venture between Sony Music Entertainment (part of Sony) and BMG Entertainment (part of Bertelsmann AG) completed in August 2004. ... Bang Records was created by Bert Berns in 1965 together with his partners from Atlantic Records: Ahmet Ertegun, Neshui Ertegun and Jerry Wexler (Gerald). ...

Imus then returned to work in Cleveland at WHK and cleaned up his act somewhat. In 1978, Imus commuted between Cleveland and New York to tape a TV talk show, Imus Plus at WNEW-TV. (The show was nationally syndicated by Metromedia, which owned both WHK and WNEW-TV at the time.) WHK is the oldest radio station in Cleveland, Ohio, and 15th oldest in the country still broadcasting. ... WNYW, channel 5, is the flagship television station of the News Corporation-owned Fox Broadcasting Company, located in New York City. ... 1970s logo for WTCN-TV (now KARE) in Minneapolis, which included the corporate logo for Metromedia; this logo was also used by KTTV in Los Angeles Metromedia Producers Corporation logo Metromedia (also often MetroMedia) was a media company that owned radio and television stations in the United States from 1956...

Imus was reinstated in September 1979 as WNBC's morning drive time host. From 1982 to 1985, the station also employed talk-radio host Howard Stern, and WNBC heavily promoted the pair in print and television ads, which often featured the slogan "If We Weren't So Bad, We Wouldn't Be That Good." Although Stern's show aired later in the day, Imus and Stern often made brief appearances on each other's shows, giving the audience an occasional glimpse of an on-and-off-air rivalry that continued for many years. Connes nippian recapers sang terning faizing relist revisi. ... This article is a biography of Howard Stern as an individual; for information regarding his radio show see The Howard Stern Show. ...

During this period, Imus was best known for character Billy Sol Hargis, a radio evangelist whose name was a cross between infamous real-life radio and television preacher Billy James Hargis and real-life Texas fertilizer swindler Billie Sol Estes. As Billy Sol Hargis, Imus touted on-air the merits of the "First Church of the Gooey Death and Discount House of Worship". Imus published the 1981 novel God's Other Son that further depicted Hargis's adventures. The novel was republished in 1994 and spent seven weeks on the New York Times bestseller list.^[9] Other regular Imus characters included the supposed general manager "Geraldo Santana Banana", and "Moby Worm", a monstrous creature who devoured local schools (which was reported on the show's "breaking news updates"). Look up evangelist in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ... Billy James Hargis (August 3, 1925, Texarkana, Texas - November 29, 2004, Tulsa, Oklahoma) was a far-right-wing Protestant Christian evangelist who, it could be argued, was one of the founding fathers of the Christian Right. ... For other uses, see Texas (disambiguation). ... Spreading manure, an organic fertilizer Fertilizers (also spelled fertilisers) are compounds given to plants to promote growth; they are usually applied either via the soil, for uptake by plant roots, or by foliar feeding, for uptake through leaves. ... A confidence trick, confidence game, or con for short, (also known as a scam) is an attempt to intentionally mislead a person or persons (known as the mark) usually with the goal of financial or other gain. ... Billie Sol Estes (born 1924) was a scandal-ridden Texas-based financier best known for his association with US President Lyndon B. Johnson and for accusing Johnson of a variety of crimes, including the assassination of John F. Kennedy. ... The New York Times bestseller list is a weekly chart in The New York Times newspaper that keeps track of the best-selling books of the week. ...

Imus was also the utility announcer for Geraldo Rivera's monthly TV series Good Night, America, which aired as a recurring segment of ABC's Wide World of Entertainment program. Imus was also one of the inaugural video jockeys for the launch of the VH-1 cable network in 1985. Geraldo redirects here. ... This article is about the American broadcast network. ... A video jockey (usually abbreviated to VJ or sometimes veejay) can mean two things: One describes an announcer who introduces and plays videos on commercial music television such as MTV or VH1. ... VH1 (which stands for Video Hits 1) is an American cable television channel that was created in 1985. ...

In 1988, WNBC radio was sold to Emmis Broadcasting, and consequently, on October 7, 1988, WNBC permanently signed off the air and Emmis' WFAN was moved from 1050 AM to WNBC's former spot, 660 AM. Imus in the Morning remained at 660 AM among WFAN's sports programs with his music and comedy bits as the staples of the program, and the beginnings of a political forum. Emmis Communications is an Indianapolis-based radio and television group. ... is the 280th day of the year (281st in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1988 (MCMLXXXVIII) was a leap year starting on Friday (link displays 1988 Gregorian calendar). ...

The radio show became nationally syndicated in 1993, and began simulcasting on MSNBC in 1996. He wore his signature cowboy hat during his broadcasts. A simulcast takes place when a program or event is simultaneously broadcast across more than one broadcast platform at the same time. ... For the news website, see msnbc. ... A cowboys hat, usually with a four to six-inch brim, acts as an umbrella in stormy weather, and a shade from the sun in hot weather. ...

Imus’ behavior has often drawn the attention of the press. He famously called Rush Limbaugh "a fat, pill-popping loser" and Lesley Stahl a "gutless, lying weasel." His exchange of insults ("fat pig") regarding his show’s former news reader, Contessa Brewer, made news as did Brewer's response ("cantankerous old fool"). When Tucker Carlson brought up Brewer on the program in 2005, Imus hung up on him, calling him "a bowtie-wearing pussy." For other uses, see Limbaugh. ... Lesley R. Stahl (born December 16, 1941, in Lynn, Massachusetts) is an American television journalist. ... Contessa Brewer is a news anchor for MSNBC. She joined MSNBC in September of 2003 after working for WTMJ-TV in Milwaukee, Wisconsin as a weekend anchor and general assignment reporter. ... Tucker Swanson McNear Carlson (born May 16, 1969) is a conservative political news pundit who formerly co-hosted CNNs Crossfire and hosted MSNBCs Tucker. ...

While on the air during the attacks of September 11, 2001, the Imus in the Morning program was among the few live American broadcasts to continue airing commercials well after the first reports of the attack. These commercials pre-empted word of the second plane hitting the south tower of the World Trade Center. The commercials that continued to air included one for a major airline, Continental, along with a jeweler based in the World Trade Center, and a spot read "live" on the air for a broadcasting school, in which it was said careers in broadcasting were "exploding." Imus noted the ironic writing, but continued reading the spot. His production staff also had great difficulty in simulcasting live TV news coverage when requested by Imus.

Imus helped raise over $6 million toward Center for the Intrepid, a Texas rehabilitation facility for soldiers wounded in the Iraq War. Considered to be the largest technological center of its kind in the country, it is designed to help treat disabled veterans and help them with their transition back into the community. Entrance to Center for the Intrepid The Center for the Intrepid represents the most advanced rehabilitation facility in the world to treat amputees and burn victims. ... For other uses, see Iraq war (disambiguation). ...

More recently, Imus took on the cause of the living conditions at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center. Imus' rants preceded Army resignations, including that of Lieutenant General Kevin Kiley, then Army Surgeon General. Imus had earlier criticized Kiley's personal fitness for military duty and dedication to wounded soldiers. This article is about the U.S. Army medical center/hospital (not the research institute). ... Lieutenant General (Ret. ...

Controversial sports commentary

On April 4, 2007, during a discussion about the NCAA Women's Basketball Championship, Imus characterized the Rutgers University women's basketball team players as "rough girls" commenting on their tattoos. His executive producer Bernard McGuirk responded in his familiar "urban-speak" vernacular by referring to them as "hardcore ho's". The "urban-speak" banter continued with Imus describing the girls as "nappy-headed hos"^[10][11] and McGuirk remarking that the two teams looked like the "jigaboos versus the wannabes" mentioned in Spike Lee's film, School Daze; apparently referring to the two teams' differing appearances.^[12][13] At 6:00 p.m. that evening, Media Matters for America, a media monitoring organization, released recorded transcripts to the news media and liberal groups highlighting the brief exchange: is the 94th day of the year (95th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... The NCAA Womens Division I Championship is an annual basketball tournament for women. ... “Rutgers” redirects here. ... On the sidelines at the Rutgers vs. ... Bernard McGuirk is the former executive producer of the Imus in the Morning radio program. ... Whore redirects here. ... Shelton Jackson Lee (born March 20, 1957, in Atlanta, Georgia), better known as Spike Lee, is an Emmy Award - winning, and Academy Award - nominated American film director, producer, writer, and actor noted for his films dealing with controversial social and political issues. ... School Daze is a 1988 musical-drama film, written and directed by Spike Lee, and starring Laurence Fishburne, Giancarlo Esposito, and Tisha Campbell. ... Screenshot from Media Matters for America (Jan 6, 2006) Media Matters for America (or MMfA) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization founded in 2004 by journalist and author David Brock. ...

Look up nappy in Wiktionary, the free dictionary.

The audio for the Imus incident can be found here, on YouTube. Wikipedia does not have an article with this exact name. ... Wiktionary (a portmanteau of wiki and dictionary) is a multilingual, Web-based project to create a free content dictionary, available in over 151 languages. ... YouTube is a popular video sharing website where users can upload, view and share video clips. ...

After some outrage from the initial repeated reports, Imus dismissed the incident as "some idiot comment meant to be amusing".^[14][15][16]

Two days later, amid mounting calls for his firing, Imus issued a statement of apology:

"I want to take a moment to apologize for an insensitive and ill-conceived remark we made the other morning regarding the Rutgers women's basketball team, which lost to Tennessee in the NCAA championship game on Tuesday. It was completely inappropriate and we can understand why people were offended. Our characterization was thoughtless and stupid, and we are sorry."

On April 9, Imus appeared on Al Sharpton's syndicated radio talk show to address the controversy. Sharpton called the comments "abominable", "racist", and "sexist", and repeated his earlier demand that Imus be fired. Imus said, "Our agenda is to be funny and sometimes we go too far. And this time we went way too far. Here's what I've learned: that you can't make fun of everybody, because some people don't deserve it."^[17] The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA, often said NC-Double-A) is a voluntary association of about 1200 institutions, conferences, organizations and individuals that organizes the athletics programs of many colleges and universities in the United States. ... is the 99th day of the year (100th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... This biographical article needs additional references for verification. ... Manifestations Slavery Racial profiling Lynching Hate speech Hate crime Genocide (examples) Ethnocide Ethnic cleansing Pogrom Race war Religious persecution Gay bashing Blood libel Paternalism Police brutality Movements Policies Discriminatory Race / Religion / Sex segregation Apartheid Redlining Internment Anti-discriminatory Emancipation Civil rights Desegregation Integration Equal opportunity Counter-discriminatory Affirmative action Racial... Manifestations Slavery Racial profiling Lynching Hate speech Hate crime Genocide (examples) Ethnocide Ethnic cleansing Pogrom Race war Religious persecution Gay bashing Blood libel Paternalism Police brutality Movements Policies Discriminatory Race / Religion / Sex segregation Apartheid Redlining Internment Anti-discriminatory Emancipation Civil rights Desegregation Integration Equal opportunity Counter-discriminatory Affirmative action Racial...

Imus's incident sparked a national debate on race relations^[18]

“What has society come to that anything is acceptable today?” (Vivian Stringer, coach of the Rutgers women Scarlet Knights) Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ...

It was then announced that Imus would be suspended. Media commentators were divided on the suspension: on MSNBC's Scarborough Country on April 10,^[19] for example, Pat Buchanan said that Imus is "a good guy... [who] made a bad mistake and apologized for it" and that the show should stay on the air. Comedian Bill Maher, a longtime friend of Imus's, said that if a comedian apologizes for stepping over a line, that should suffice. Steve Adubato, an MSNBC media analyst, disagreed, saying that this incident was "not isolated". Joe Klein made the same charge, referring to Imus's comment about New York Times reporter Gwen Ifill 14 years before as evidence of a pattern of offensive comments. On The View, Rosie O'Donnell spoke out in support of keeping Imus on the air on free speech grounds.^[20] is the 100th day of the year (101st in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Patrick Joseph Buchanan (born November 2, 1938) is an American politician, author, syndicated columnist, and broadcaster. ... William Maher, Jr. ... For the basketball player, see Joe Kleine. ... The New York Times is an internationally known daily newspaper published in New York City and distributed in the United States and many other nations worldwide. ... Gwen Ifill Gwen Ifill (born September 29, 1955) is a journalist for PBS. She graduated from Simmons College in Boston, Massachusetts. ... This article is about the talk show. ... Rosie ODonnell (born March 21, 1962 in Bayside, Queens, New York) is an 11-time Emmy Award-winning American talk show host, television personality, comedienne, film, television, and stage actress. ... Freedom of speech is the right to freely say what one pleases, as well as the related right to hear what others have stated. ...

The basketball team held a news conference where coach C. Vivian Stringer stated that the team would meet with Imus to discuss his comments. Several of the players expressed their outrage over the remarks. Team captain Essence Carson said Imus' remarks had "stolen a moment of pure grace" from the team.^[21][22] Charlene Vivian Stringer (born March 16, 1948) is currently the head coach of the Rutgers University Womens Basketball team (an NCAA Division I program that is part of the Big East Conference). ...

African American Chicago Tribune columnist Clarence Page, at one time a frequent guest, once had confronted Imus about his language and got Imus to take a pledge not to engage in further racially-charged humor. After the Rutgers team incident, Page said he would not appear on the show again and said of the original two-week suspension, "I know other stations... some shock jock who lost his job for less than this, or been at least suspended for a month or two. Why does Don, a repeat offender, keep getting away with it? I want to know."^[23] CBS board member and former NAACP president Bruce S. Gordon said that Imus should not be allowed to come back even after the suspension, claiming that his remarks "crossed the line, a very bright line that divides our country."^[24] // The Chicago Tribune is a major daily newspaper based in Chicago, Illinois and owned by the Tribune Company. ... Clarence Page (born June 2, 1947) is a journalist, syndicated columnist and member of the editorial board for the Chicago Tribune. ... The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), is one of the oldest and most influential hate organizations in the United States. ... Bruce Scott Gordon (born February 15, 1946) is an African American business executive who spent most of his career with Verizon and currently serves as a corporate director of CBS. He was selected in June 2005 to head the NAACP, a major American civil rights organization. ...

On April 11, 2007, NBC News announced that MSNBC would no longer simulcast Imus in the Morning, effective immediately. While the decision came on the same day that several advertisers deserted Imus, the network also said employee concerns played a role. Several high-profile NBC African-American personalities, including Al Roker previously a friendly guest on the show, opposed Imus' return. The absence and silence from Imus' frequent NBC guests Brian Williams, Andrea Mitchell, David Gregory, Chris Matthews and close friend Tim Russert was too obvious to ignore and foreshadowed NBC's future action.^[25] is the 101st day of the year (102nd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... A simulcast takes place when a program or event is simultaneously broadcast across more than one broadcast platform at the same time. ... Al Roker (born August 20, 1954) is an American television broadcaster, best known as the weather anchor for NBCs Today show. ... This article is about the American journalist. ... Andrea Mitchell Andrea Mitchell (born October 30, 1946) is an American journalist, television commentator, and writer. ... David Gregory (born August 24, 1970) is currently the NBC News Chief White House Correspondent, a job he has held since February, 2001. ... This article is about the journalist. ... Timothy John Russert, Jr. ...

In announcing the decision, Steve Capus, President of NBC News, said: Steve Capus President of NBC News Steve Capus is the current president of NBC News. ...

"These comments were deeply hurtful to many, many people. And we’ve had any number of employee conversations, discussions, emails, phone calls. And when you listen to the passion and the people who come to the conclusion that there should not be any room for this sort of conversation and dialogue on our air, it was the only decision we could reach."^[26]

The next day, CBS Radio canceled Imus in the Morning, effective immediately^[27]. CBS President and Chief Executive Officer Leslie Moonves stated: CBS Radio Inc. ... Leslie Moonves (born December 23, 1948 in New York City) is President and Chief Executive Officer of CBS Corporation. ...

"From the outset, I believe all of us have been deeply upset and revulsed by the statements that were made on our air about the young women who represented Rutgers University in the NCAA Women's Basketball Championship with such class, energy and talent. There has been much discussion of the effect language like this has on our young people, particularly young women of color trying to make their way in this society. That consideration has weighed most heavily on our minds as we made our decision."^[28][29]

Jarvis Tyner wrote on behalf of the Communist Party USA:

The remarks of radio talk show host Don Imus have ignited a firestorm of anti-racist protest from people of all races and nationalities all over the country. This protest has resulted in the show losing several sponsors and MSNBC dropping Imus’s show. CBS radio, after much hesitation, finally decided to drop Imus’s show—which generated $50 million in advertising revenues annually.

The day before, CBS chairman Sumner Redstone said he trusted Moonves would "do the right thing," but didn't elaborate. Moonves had met with Sharpton and Jesse Jackson shortly before the announcement was made.^[30] Sumner Murray Redstone (born Sumner Murray Rothstein on May 27, 1923 in Boston, Massachusetts) is majority owner and Chairman of the Board of the National Amusements theater chain. ... Jesse Louis Jackson, Sr. ...

In an internal memo, Moonves said that employee concerns were a factor in the decision to cancel Imus's show. However, he said that the decision was "about a lot more than Imus." Moonves said that CBS had to take Imus off the air in order to change "a culture that permits a certain level of objectionable expression that hurts and demeans a wide range of people."^[31]

Seven sponsors had either pulled their ads outright or suspended advertising on Imus's show to protest his remarks — General Motors (Imus's biggest advertiser), Staples Inc., GlaxoSmithKline, Sprint Nextel, PetMed, American Express and Procter & Gamble.^[32] One other advertiser, Bigelow Tea, expressed uncertainty at renewing their ads with Imus' show. ^[33] General Motors Corporation, also known as GM, an American multinational corporation, is the worlds largest auto company by production volume for the first 9 months of 2007, and by sales volume for 76 consecutive years. ... STAPLES redirects here. ... GlaxoSmithKline plc (LSE: GSK NYSE: GSK) is a British based pharmaceutical, biological, and healthcare company. ... Sprint Nextel Corporation (NYSE: S) is one of the largest telecommunications companies in the US. With 55 million subscribers, Sprint Nextel operates the third largest wireless telecommunications network in the United States (based on total wireless customers), behind AT&T and Verizon Wireless. ... American Express (NYSE: AXP), sometimes known as AmEx or Amex, is a diversified global financial services company, headquartered in New York City. ... Procter & Gamble Co. ... R.C. Bigelow, Inc better known as the Bigelow Tea Company is an American tea company based in Fairfield, Connecticut. ...

Just hours after the announcement of his firing, Imus met with Stringer and her team at Drumthwacket, the New Jersey governor's mansion. The three-hour meeting was arranged by Buster Soaries, the former New Jersey Secretary of State and Stringer's pastor. New Jersey governor Jon Corzine planned to attend the meeting but was injured in a car accident on the way to the meeting.^[34] Imus left without commenting, but Stringer said the meeting went well. She later commented that they had accepted Imus's apology, and "It would sadden me for anyone to lose their job,... And he came [to the meeting] in spite of the fact that he lost his job. So let's give him credit for that." She also emphasized that the basketball team had not called for Imus to be fired. ^[32][35] Drumthwacket is the official residence of the Governor of New Jersey and was built in 1835 by future Governor Charles S. Olden. ... Election People This box:      Dr. DeForest B. Soaries, Jr. ... Jon Stevens Corzine (born January 1, 1947) is the Governor of New Jersey. ...

CBS has been criticized by some, as being too harsh for canceling Imus's show. Senator John Kerry said a "long suspension" would be "appropriate to pay a price on the airwaves but I’m not sure that it was appropriate to say you’re off forever." ^[36] John Forbes Kerry (born December 11, 1943) is the junior United States Senator from Massachusetts, in his fourth term of office. ...

Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton's role in the controversy has drawn complaints. Conservative African American columnist Armstrong Williams criticized Jackson (who in 1984 referred to Jews as "Hymies" ^[37]) and Sharpton for "ratcheting up the rhetoric" and holding Imus to a “higher standard” than they would have themselves judged.^[38]. Columnist Jason Whitlock questioned the motives of Sharpton and Jackson, "who pushed the hardest and shouted the loudest for Imus’s demise," suggesting that their aim was not to help the Rutger's basketball team but to "cause division for profit."^[39] However, Williams and Whitlock both called Imus' statement offensive. Armstrong Williams (born February 5, 1959) is an African American political commentator. ... Jason Lee Whitlock (b. ...

Imus was not the first radio personality to utter such a phrase on the air; Troi Torain (aka Star) used similar language in 2001 ^[40] and was subsequently fired. Star & Buc Wild are TV and radio personalities and columnists. ...

Gregg "Opie" Hughes and Anthony Cumia of the popular Opie and Anthony Show were long time friends and supporters of Imus, and Imus returned the support, occasionally wearing an Opie and Anthony XM Satellite Radio T-shirt during MSNBC broadcasts. (All were bitter rivals of Howard Stern). Opie and Anthony were very vocal industry supporters of Imus throughout the entire controversy, even saying they felt if the nappy headed hos comment led to a radio pioneer and philanthropist getting fired, they would most likely go down with him for their admittedly edgier material. Only one month later, Opie and Anthony found themselves suspended from their XM Satellite Radio show for insensitive comments as well. These two controversies, along with a few others, sparked the creation of People Against Censorship, an organization started to defend freedom of expression over the airwaves.^[41] Opie and Anthony Opie (Gregg Hughes, b. ... “XM” redirects here. ... Opie (Gregg Hughes, b. ... “XM” redirects here. ...

Subsequent litigation

By May 2, 2007, Imus had hired prominent attorney Martin Garbus to pursue a wrongful termination lawsuit against CBS for the remaining $40 million on his five year contract. The contract contained a clause indicating CBS hired and supported Imus to exhibit "irreverent" and "controversial" programming.^[42] is the 122nd day of the year (123rd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... Martin Garbus (born 1934) is an attorney specializing in trial practice. ...

On August 14, 2007, CBS announced a settlement with Imus on his $40 million contract.^[43] On the same day, Rutgers' basketball player Kia Vaughn, one of the woman involved in the controversy, filed suit against Don Imus, NBC Universal, CBS Corporation, MSNBC, CBS Radio, Viacom, Westwood One radio, and Bernard McGuirk, citing slander, libel, and defamation of character. Vaughn was the only one to pursue legal damages brought on by the controversy.^[44] However, Vaughn dropped the lawsuit against Imus on September 11, 2007 citing her desire to concentrate on her studies and basketball training.^[45][46] is the 226th day of the year (227th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... Kia Vaughn, a member of the 2007 women’s Rutgers basketball team that won a Big East championship and were the NCAA runner-up to Tennessee. ... NBC Universal is a media and entertainment conglomerate formed in May 2004 by the combination of General Electrics NBC with Vivendi Universal Entertainment, part of Vivendi Universal. ... CBS Corporation (NYSE: CBS, NYSE: CBSA) is an American media conglomerate focused on broadcasting, publishing, billboards, and television production, with most of its operations in the United States. ... Viacom (NYSE: VIA) (NYSE: VIAb) is an American media conglomerate with various worldwide interests in cable and satellite television networks (MTV Networks and BET), and movie production and distribution (the Paramount Pictures and DreamWorks movie studios). ... Westwood One, Inc. ... is the 254th day of the year (255th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ...

Return to radio

On July 8, 2007, the Drudge Report indicated that Imus would return to the air before the 2008 presidential election.^[47] The New York Post reported on July 16, 2007 that Imus was in search of a black comedian to join the show upon its return to help cushion racially insensitive comments he might say on the air.^[48] The same paper reported on July 27, 2007 that CBS was close to a buyout of Imus's contract. The report also said Imus's representatives had contacted Buckley Broadcasting, Citadel Broadcasting, and Clear Channel Communications.^[49] On August 14, Imus reached a settlement with CBS Radio over his contract, leaving him free to pursue other media opportunities. ^[43] is the 189th day of the year (190th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... The Drudge Report is a U.S.-based news website run by Matt Drudge. ... The United States presidential election of 2008, scheduled to be held on November 4, 2008, will be the 55th consecutive quadrennial president and vice president of the United States. ... is the 197th day of the year (198th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 208th day of the year (209th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... Buckley Radio owns and operates twenty radio stations in seven markets. ... Citadel Broadcasting Corporation NYSE: CDL is a Las Vegas, Nevada based broadcast holding company. ... Not to be confused with clear channel radio stations, which are AM radio stations with certain technical parameters. ... is the 226th day of the year (227th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ...

On November 1, Citadel announced they had agreed to what was reportedly a multiyear syndication contract with Imus. The new Imus in the Morning program would be distributed nationally by ABC Radio Networks, and would be based at Citadel-owned WABC in New York City, beginning in December.^[50] On November 14, the New York Times reported that Imus had agreed to terms with cable network RFD-TV to air a video simulcast of the new radio program. ^[51] It is expected that Imus will be joined by longtime associates Charles McCord and, perhaps, Bernard McGuirk.^[52] On December 3, Imus returned to the airwaves on ABC Radio and RFD-TV. When asked about Imus's return to radio, Al Sharpton said in an interview, "We’ll monitor him; I’m not saying I’m going throw a banquet for him and say welcome home. He has the right to make a living, but because he has such a consistent pattern with this we are going to monitor him to make sure he doesn’t do it again."^[53] is the 305th day of the year (306th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... ABC Radio Networks Logo ABC Radio is a division of the American Broadcasting Company (ABC) focused on AM radio and FM radio broadcasting. ... WABC (770 kHz), known as NewsTalkRadio 77, is a radio station in New York City. ... is the 318th day of the year (319th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... RFD is a full-time United States satellite and cable television network devoted to rural issues, concerns, and interests. ... is the 337th day of the year (338th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... This biographical article needs additional references for verification. ...

Other controversies

Howard Stern

Due in part to Howard Stern's historically combative relationship with WNBC, Stern has regularly criticized Imus. He takes special offense to the developments in Imus's career that mimicked Stern's earlier moves; i.e., playing less music, creating a staff of adversarial characters that discuss their real lives, expanding the audience via syndication, and bringing TV cameras into the radio studio. Whether or not Imus's moves were influenced by Stern, there is no doubt that his WNBC show and style of comedy changed after Stern's arrival in New York. No reconciliation has occurred, with the two engaging in an ugly name-calling exchange in late 2003.^[54] This article is a biography of Howard Stern as an individual; for information regarding his radio show see The Howard Stern Show. ...

Joe Barton

For two weeks in the Fall of 2006, Imus delivered ongoing 'rants' against Texas Congressman Joe Barton, describing him as "a lying fat little skunk from Texas", a "pipsqueak" and a "coward and a crybaby". Imus also called Barton a "congressional dirtbag", because Barton used his position as a committee chair to prevent passage of the Combating Autism Act, which would authorize funds for autism research. In the weeks before Congress recessed on September 29, 2006, Barton used his chairmanship to prevent the legislative proposal from coming to a vote in the House, rousing the ire of Imus and his wife, staunch supporters of autism research. The bill already had been passed unanimously by the Senate, but Barton opposed the Senate bill's stipulation that centers of excellence investigate environmental factors.^[55] For other uses, see Texas (disambiguation). ... Joseph Linus Joe Barton (born September 15, 1949) is a Republican politician, representing Texass 6th congressional district (map) in the U.S. House of Representatives since 1985. ... Dirtbag is a general term for a filthy or dirty person. ... The Combating Autism Act (United States Senate Bill 843), introduced by Senators Rick Santorum and Christopher Dodd, is a proposed legislative measure that would authorize significant expenditures, over the next five years, to combat autism through screening, education, early intervention and prompt referrals for treatment and services. ... Autism is a brain development disorder characterized by impairments in social interaction and communication, and restricted and repetitive behavior, all exhibited before a child is three years old. ... is the 272nd day of the year (273rd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ...

Lawsuits

Imus was sued by the wife of Boston Herald columnist and radio talk show host Howie Carr in 1998 after Imus made sexually explicit remarks about her and boxer Riddick Bowe. Imus reportedly made the remarks after being told that Carr had said that Imus "would die before his kid got out of high school"; Carr denies making those remarks. Carr, represented by Alan Dershowitz, received an out of court settlement from Imus.^[56] The Boston Herald is a tabloid format newspaper, though not a tabloid in the traditional sense, and is the smaller of the two big dailies in Boston, Massachusetts (the other being The Boston Globe). ... Howard Louis[1] Howie Carr (born January 17, 1952) is an American broadcaster, award-winning journalist, New York Times best-selling author, and a highly rated talk-radio host in the greater Boston and New England area. ... Riddick Lamont Bowe (born August 10, 1967, Brooklyn, New York) is an American boxer and former undisputed heavyweight champion. ... Alan Morton Dershowitz (born September 1, 1938) is an American lawyer and criminal law professor known for his extensive published works, career as an attorney in several high-profile law cases, and commentary on the Arab-Israeli conflict. ...

Imus also attracted public attention due to two lawsuits. On November 29, 2004, a former nanny, Nichole Mallette, sued Imus for wrongful termination and defamation^[57] after a Thanksgiving 2003 incident in which she was allegedly fired and escorted off his property at 4:15 AM. Don and Deirdre Imus were allegedly upset over Mallette's possession of a cap-gun and pocket knife on ranch property. is the 333rd day of the year (334th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2004 (MMIV) was a leap year starting on Thursday of the Gregorian calendar. ... Slander and Libel redirect here. ... For other uses, see Thanksgiving (disambiguation). ... Year 2003 (MMIII) was a common year starting on Wednesday of the Gregorian calendar. ...

On July 8, 2005, Dr. Howard Allen Pearson sued Imus for slander and civil assault. Pearson accused Imus of threatening him during a July 13, 2004 confrontation at the ranch, and Imus subsequently referred to him on air as "an arrogant (expletive) doctor who doesn't mind letting a child suffer".^[58] is the 189th day of the year (190th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... In English and American law, and systems based on them, libel and slander are two forms of defamation (or defamation of character), which is the tort or delict of making a false statement of fact that injures someones reputation. ... is the 194th day of the year (195th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2004 (MMIV) was a leap year starting on Thursday of the Gregorian calendar. ...

Radio and Television Correspondents Dinner speech

On March 21, 1996, Imus delivered a speech at the Radio and Television Correspondents Dinner in Washington, D.C., which Imus later called "The Speech From Hell". is the 80th day of the year (81st in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1996 (MCMXCVI) was a leap year starting on Monday (link will display full 1996 Gregorian calendar). ... The Radio and Television Correspondents Association is an American journalism group best known for holding an annual dinner in Washington, D.C. every year beginning in 1945. ... For other uses, see Washington, D.C. (disambiguation). ...

The dinner was attended by President Bill Clinton and First Lady Hillary Clinton. The initial line of Imus' speech was considered a direct reference to Hillary Clinton, who was at the time involved in a specific aspect of the Whitewater scandal concerning billing records that were discovered just a few weeks before on a table in the resident section of The White House. President is a title held by many leaders of organizations, companies, trade unions, universities, and countries. ... William Jefferson Bill Clinton (born William Jefferson Blythe III[1] on August 19, 1946) was the 42nd President of the United States, serving from 1993 to 2001. ... This article is about the use of the term first lady internationally. ... REDIRECT Hillary Rodham Clinton   This is a redirect from a title with another method of capitalisation. ... The Whitewater Controversy (also called the Whitewater scandal or simply Whitewater) was an American political controversy concerning the real estate dealings of Bill and Hillary Clinton and their associates in the Whitewater Development Agency during the 1970s and 1980s. ... This page is about the official residence of the President of the USA. For other White Houses see White House (disambiguation). ...

<audience applause> "Thank you very much."

"Um.. this is kind of interesting, these don't appear to be my notes. <picking up papers from the lectern> (You still have the folder I gave you? Where did this come from?)" <gesturing with the papers>

"Well, nobody just leaves stuff like this just layin' around." <audience laughter, then slowly looks at Hillary, audience laughs>^[59]

Later on, Imus commented on the President saying "Go baby!" while doing radio play-by-play at an Orioles game, and added, "I remember commenting at the time, I bet that's not the first time he's said that."^[60]

Robert Frank

Imus threatened Wall Street Journal reporter Robert Frank after he wrote an article that raised questions about New York Attorney General Eliot Spitzer's tax inquiry into the Imus Ranch in New Mexico. ^[61] The Wall Street Journal is an influential international daily newspaper published in New York City, New York with an average daily circulation of 1,800,607 (2002). ... Eliot Laurence Spitzer (born June 10, 1959 ) is an American lawyer, politician and the current Governor of New York. ... Capital Santa Fe Largest city Albuquerque Largest metro area Albuquerque metropolitan area Area  Ranked 5th  - Total 121,665 sq mi (315,194 km²)  - Width 342 miles (550 km)  - Length 370 miles (595 km)  - % water 0. ...

Accusations of Defamatory Speech

Being shock jocks as they were, Imus and his crew, mainly Bernard McGuirk, repeatedly used 'politically incorrect' remarks through skits and character impersonations in a sometimes comical format which critics labeled as racist, misogynist, "homophobic" and anti-semitic. He has also been accused of making offensive remarks off the air. Some would cite these examples: This box:      Racism has many definitions, the most common and widely accepted is that members of one race are intrinsically superior or inferior to members of other races. ... Misogyny is an exaggerated pathological aversion towards women. ... Homophobia is a term used to describe: A culturally determined phobia manifesting as fear, revulsion, or contempt for homosexuality. ... Wikipedia does not have an article with this exact name. ...

• In a 1984 interview, answering a question about Howard Stern, Don Imus said: "yes, Howard's a slut too, Lloyd...Plus a Jew bastard, and should be castrated... put in an oven" A clip of this interview was played by Howard Stern in the news section of his November 5, 2007 show.^{[cite this quote]}

• African-American sports columnist Bill Rhoden referred to as a "New York Times quota hire"^[62].

• In 1993, PBS anchor Gwen Ifill (then with the New York Times) referred to as a "cleaning lady."^[63][64][65]

• As reported by New York Times columnist Bob Herbert,^[66] in the course of a 1998 interview with Mike Wallace on 60 Minutes, Imus told a producer off-camera that McGuirk was hired to perform "nigger jokes."

• Robin Quivers claimed that when she worked with Imus at WNBC, he called her a "nigger" face to face.^[67] Both Howard Stern and Quivers have also claimed that he screamed "Nigger, Nigger" at an African American secretary named Becky during their time at WNBC.^[68]

• Imus has also repeatedly referred to Arabs as "ragheads."^[69]

• He has berated many female newsreaders, most recently Contessa Brewer, which caused her to leave the show. After she left the show, Imus went on a tirade, saying, "With that fat ass she's got, she wouldn't be one of 'em," [a news 'babe'.]. Imus said on the air, "That skank has to spend three hours with makeup in the morning." The tirade was allegedly tied to comments overheard from Contessa's calling Imus "a cantankerous old fool" at a 2005 dinner in a restaurant when she was still a newsreader.^[70] During a show a producer also made fun of poet Maya Angelou.^[71]

• On a December 15, 2004, show, Imus referred to publishers Simon & Schuster (under same ownership as CBS Radio) as "thieving Jews," and later in the show issued a mock apology, saying the phrase was "redundant." In October 1998, he described media critic Howard Kurtz as "that boner-nosed . . . beanie-wearing little Jew boy".^[72]

• The show's routines sometimes contained derogatory epithets for homosexuals, including "faggot" or "lesbo" and various terms describing homosexuality. ^[73]

• Imus has also made fun of Irish, Jews, Italians, other nationalities and all political positions. ^[74]

William C. Rhoden, (born ?) is a sports columnist for the New York Times. ... Gwen Ifill Gwen Ifill (born September 29, 1955) is a journalist for PBS. She graduated from Simmons College in Boston, Massachusetts. ... This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ... Mike Wallace (born Myron Leon Wallace on May 9, 1918) is a former American game show host, television personality, and journalist. ... This article is about the CBS news magazine. ... Robin Ophelia Quivers (born August 8, 1952) is an American talk show host and Howard Sterns primary co-host on his morning radio show. ... For other uses, see Arab (disambiguation). ... Contessa Brewer is a news anchor for MSNBC. She joined MSNBC in September of 2003 after working for WTMJ-TV in Milwaukee, Wisconsin as a weekend anchor and general assignment reporter. ... Maya Angelou (IPA: [1]), born Marguerite Ann Johnson April 4, 1928 in St. ... is the 349th day of the year (350th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2004 (MMIV) was a leap year starting on Thursday of the Gregorian calendar. ... Jean-François Millet Le Semeur (The Sower) Simon & Schuster logo, circa 1961. ... Howard Alan Kurtz (born 1953, in Brooklyn, New York) is an American journalist, blogger, author and media critic. ... A yarmulke (also yarmulka, yarmelke) (Yiddish יאַרמלקע yarmlke) or Kippah (Hebrew כִּפָּה kippāh, plural kippot) is a thin, usually slightly rounded cloth cap worn by Jews. ... Look up faggot in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ... Gay slang (sometimes gayspeak) in linguistics refers to a form of English slang used predominantly among gay men, lesbians, bisexuals, and transgendered people. ...

Business interests

Don Imus was also a part owner of the Autobody Express with his brother, Fred (a frequent caller to the radio show, commenting on NASCAR races, the NFL and related pop culture matters). The Autobody Express stores were located in Santa Fe, and inside the Mohegan Sun Native American Casino in