Imus fired by CBS

[Littleman]

Found this over on Yahoo! News:

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070412/.../imus_protests

Now, I'm patiently waiting to see how soon Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton will get on the cases of those "Rappers" that have to use fouler language in what they call "music". And. how about Sharpton paying up what he owes a certain police officer (from the Brawley case) before being allowed to open his big mouth - on any subject?

And, no, I'm not an Imus fan, although I used to listen to him many, many years ago.

[JBaiza]

Now, I'm patiently waiting to see how soon Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton will get on the cases of those "Rappers" that have to use fouler language in what they call "music".

That would require integrity, and that's what's been lacking with too many involved in this fiasco.

I'm glad you're patient. You might need to be.

I honestly don't know what to think about this. I still don't really know who was damaged in this. We are talking, ultimately, about just words.

[rev-ed]

I honestly don't know what to think about this. I still don't really know who was damaged in this. We are talking, ultimately, about just words.

This is hardly the worst thing Imus ever said about anyone. He's been using insults in lieu of actual talent for years now. Still it reeks of PC-ism gone amok...

[skypigeon]

Gee, I wish I worked for you guys when I was in radio.

And I'll shut up while I'm ahead.

[cheeseczar]

As one who is not offended by much of anything at all, I must say that his words were not appropriate.

That said, Imus is probably the least PC personality in the media. He brings issues to the forefront that need to be addressed and takes to task those in power not addressing those issues. I don't think that takes talent as much as it does conviction. Looking past perceived insults, he is (was) a fairly refreshing breath of air among the blowhards who now remain in the media. Not afraid of throwing out his opinions on anything. His humour however, left much to be desired. That wasn't the substance I watched for though. Somebody has to ask the tough questions and point fingers at those responsible. Imus did so without reservation.

Those that lead this lynching want nothing to do with the man's integrity or deeds that not many others would pursue in the context of "political correctness". They hung the man out to dry for words he has expressed his sorrow for uttering.

He was, for lack of a better term, hosed.

If anyone should have been fired from radio/TV on a permanent basis, it would be Bernard.

[Cant_hit_apex]

I'm guessing maybe his fame was established sometime in the past. I've watched him on MSNBC as he does his show and I cannot understand his popularity. Maybe I just don't get him.

[SeeUinMay]

A "shock jock", maybe the original "shock jock", said something insulting, insensitive, racial, demeaning ect.... and it "shocked" people. Well isn't that what he was paid to do? Maybe we should call them "just a little harmless needling jocks" from now on. It is 2007 people, does anything really "shock" anyone anymore?

Now that the bar has been set, who is next? My vote would be for Simon Cowell, I mean is anyone on television right now more insensitive, demeaning, demoralizing, cruel or hurtful in the things they say to people?

[Marc P. Gregoire]

XM should quickly sign him up on the cheap side to fill in air time on 202.

An opprotunity has presented itself.

[JBaiza]

Interesting that this happened so quickly considering it took the network a year to do something about Rathergate.

[comfortably numb]

XM should quickly sign him up on the cheap side to fill in air time on 202.

An opprotunity has presented itself.

I was thinking the same thing.
He will probably land on his feet with his pockets full.
And say what he wants.

I don't like what he said.
I don't think he should have been fired.
But I suspect the sponsors have spoken.

[SoDak_IndyFan]

Interesting that this happened so quickly considering it took the network a year to do something about Rathergate.

Interesting point.

[Disciple]

This issue is far more significant than offending young college students. Do you realize what we have just given carte blanche for? Don't like what someone says on the air? Throw a hissy fit and have them fired. This is an extremely dangerous precedent. We have said it's OK to conduct a week long witch hunt, completely destroy a person who has spent the entire time apologizing, then pat ourselves on the back. Over words. Wait until you see what's next.

Opie & Anthony had a video bit called 'slave girl' from earlier this week in which a role playing 'slave' was spanked for misbehaving. Tasteless? You bet. In the spirit of O & A? Yes. Can I see that if I want to now? No. This is the kind of chilling censorship that will destroy our nation if we let it.

The last time I checked, people had choices? Don't like what someone has to say? DON'T LISTEN. Working to have them destroyed is not American.

Goodbye constitution. I am personally repulsed more by the reaction than the act.

...the What Was That First Amendment Thing Again Defender of the IRL.

[cheeseczar]

FCC sure has been quiet lately.

Oh wait...political correctness. Yeah...I get it now.

[comfortably numb]

From MSN---

"Sponsors that pulled out of Imus’ show included American Express Co., Sprint Nextel Corp., Staples Inc., Procter & Gamble Co. and General Motors Corp. Imus made a point Thursday to thank one sponsor, Bigelow Tea, for sticking by him.

The list of his potential guests began to shrink, too.

Newsweek Editor Jon Meacham said the magazine’s staffers would no longer appear on Imus’ show. Meacham, Jonathan Alter, Evan Thomas, Howard Fineman and Michael Isikoff from Newsweek have been frequent guests."

Freedom of speech comes with a price...
...just ask the Dixie Chicks.

[Roadrage]

Good luck with the Imus Ranch charity that benefitted minority children.

Perhaps the Sharpton and Jackson racist types could comment on the extreme lyrical content of idiots such as '50 Cent.'

I'm betting Fox will hire Imus within a week.

[Disciple]

1-877-877-6464. Curing kids with cancer is more important than any of the nonsense going on.

Give generously.

...the Disgusted and Repulsed Defender of the IRL.

[Kurt Cobain]

Sharpton and Jackson and all those other vocal (and liberal I might add) idiots wouldn't say a thing if it were someone like Al Franken making a slur like this.

Or Chris Rock.

I love Howard Stern, but he's done a lot worse than Imus (whom he hates) on several occasions.

[MichaelP]

Goodbye constitution. I am personally repulsed more by the reaction than the act.

Ditto that - this is a very disturbing situation.

[jkg]

Goodbye constitution. I am personally repulsed more by the reaction than the act.

...the What Was That First Amendment Thing Again Defender of the IRL.

The First Amendment doesn't apply to non-governmental entities like CBS and MSNBC's personnel decisions, never has.

This is a PC issue perhaps, but it is certainly not a constitutional one.

[Disciple]

Gutless cowards (MSNBC and CBS Radio) caved in to pressure by people who want to stifle free speech. Don't cloak it under a convenient 'it's their right' excuse. The guy said something stupid, spent a week apologizing, then underwent a witch hunt that destroyed his career. He even admits it's all his fault.

What are we going to lose next? Despite his rough edges, Imus is a national treasure....a kind of Mark Twain of our time. This is not a good place to live when someones right to speak, however stupid, is trampled like this.

...the Join My In Expressing Outrage Defender of the IRL.

[KevMcNJ]

Guess he's done in hymie-town huh?

[comfortably numb]

Despite his rough edges, Imus is a national treasure....a kind of Mark Twain of our time.

HA! HA! HA! HA! HA! HA! HA!

There are no words....

[jkg]

Gutless cowards (MSNBC and CBS Radio) caved in to pressure by people who want to stifle free speech. Don't cloak it under a convenient 'it's their right' excuse. .

It's not an an excuse. It IS their right. CBS and MSNBC are for profit non-government companies who can fire and hire largely as they choose.

As far as cloaking the issue, you are the one who erroneously tried to frame this as a First Amendment issue. It's not.

Imus has just as much right to speak today as he did last week. He just can't do it on MSNBC or CBS's nickel.

[Truth Detector]

Its all about cash. Imus made a comment that the sponsors couldn't stand by so they baled. Cash is gone...so is Imus.

That's not a first amendment issue...its a bid'ness issue.

The reason why these issues will never be taken seriously by "white America" is because modern hip-hop "musicians" get a free pass for saying far worse. It would also help if the media would go to somebody other than Al Sharpton or Jesse Jackson. There are many fine people who can represent "black America". Must the media continually go to these creeps?

[happyscrappy-t]

I listen to another CBS radio show, and one of the guys on it has had the same opinion about this all week. Imus should be fired if/ when he costs the company money and advertisers, but not for what he said alone.

I believe this is a first amendment issue, not that he was fired for what he said, but for the outrage it has caused.

Sticks and stones can break my bones, but words can never hurt me.

A lesson we all should have all learned before the age of five.

What a person says about you says more about their character than yours.

What he said was inappropriate, but that anyone took a blowhard old radio guy that serious proves the world is full of people eager to be victims.

[Truth Detector]

"Its money that matters."

- Joe Walsh

[3-wide]

This is just the beginning. Watch for the backlash against the Rev. Sharpton et al. He (they) may regret deciding to play hardball over this particular incident.

[grogg]

Found this over on Yahoo! News:

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070412/.../imus_protests

Now, I'm patiently waiting to see how soon Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton will get on the cases of those "Rappers" that have to use fouler language in what they call "music". And. how about Sharpton paying up what he owes a certain police officer (from the Brawley case) before being allowed to open his big mouth - on any subject?

Good luck with your wait. The rappers and their fowl mouths are okay because of what they call "artistic expression." I call it something else that is not appropriate to say on this forum. Sharpton says he is offended by gangsta rap but hey Al, actions speak louder than words. Saw on the news last night that the guy acquitted in the rape of the Brawley girl is still having this event follow him even though he is declared innocent. It will probably follow him to his grave unfortunately.

Imus never really appealed to me and have only listened to him very occasionally, but I can't for the life of me think his content is more offensive than Savage.

[O&A Virus]

I've never thought Imus was particularly funny or entertaining. His radio show is dull in my opinion. That said, he shouldn't have been fired. I think its hypocritical that the ones "flaming the fire" are Jackson and Sharpton, especially given their past racist remarks towards jews, whites and asians.

They say that this is just the start of their "witch hunt". Urban talk radio regular stereotypes white southerners as "rednecks living in trailer parks". While I'm sure they exist, its a stereotype they routinely get away with without condemnation.

Will Jackson and Sharpton's witch hunt also target traditional African-American radio outlets as well? I'm guessing not. Sad as it may seem, guys like Jackson and Sharpton regularly "strong arm" corporations and PROFIT from ill-situations of the poor, the less-off and the needy ---"gangster tactics" in the name of civil rights.

Talk about double standards. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. would be ashamed.

[O&A Virus]

This issue is far more significant than offending young college students. Do you realize what we have just given carte blanche for? Don't like what someone says on the air? Throw a hissy fit and have them fired. This is an extremely dangerous precedent. We have said it's OK to conduct a week long witch hunt, completely destroy a person who has spent the entire time apologizing, then pat ourselves on the back. Over words. Wait until you see what's next.

Opie & Anthony had a video bit called 'slave girl' from earlier this week in which a role playing 'slave' was spanked for misbehaving. Tasteless? You bet. In the spirit of O & A? Yes. Can I see that if I want to now? No. This is the kind of chilling censorship that will destroy our nation if we let it.

The last time I checked, people had choices? Don't like what someone has to say? DON'T LISTEN. Working to have them destroyed is not American.

Goodbye constitution. I am personally repulsed more by the reaction than the act.

...the What Was That First Amendment Thing Again Defender of the IRL.

I happen to listen to O&A (as you can guess by my forum name). Some of what O&A do tends to cross the line of decency and tasteless. The bit you mention happened to be one of them and one I didn't particularly care for. However, as you've stated, people have a choice and it is this censorship that is infridging on our 1st Amendment.