I have avoided the entire Don Imus flap until now, probably because I abhor the type of “entertainment” that Imus provides. Nevertheless, CBS’s decision to fire Imus surprised me, particularly given that Imus’ brusque behavior hasnít prevented from being invited to speak at the National Association of Broadcastersí dinner or from having a line of politicians, media types and other seemingly important people ready and willing to appear on his show. Is anyone really surprised that he insulted the Rutgers women’s basketball team? The hypocrisy of some of Imus’ former supporters who called for his scalp is worse than Imus’ insult.
My sense is that CBS must have had a valid business reason to do this apart from punishing Imus for the insult. Otherwise, the decision would appear to be an overreaction. Given the nature of Imus’ program and his past behavior that CBS willingly indulged, I can’t imagine that CBS had grounds to fire Imus for cause, so CBS is presumably on the hook for the balance of Imus’ contract. And if Imus wants to work and compete with CBS, it’s not as if he is going to have to look hard for a new job. Satellite radio would appear to be ready made for him.
By the way, Jason Whitlock, a bright sports columnist for the Kansas City Star who happens to be a black man, has some interesting thoughts on the Imus affair, as does Radley Balko.
Houston's Clear Thinkers
Longtime Houston attorney Tom Kirkendall's observations on developments in law, business, medicine, culture, sports, and other matters of general interest to the Houston business, professional, and academic communities.
Tom,
Like you, I could care less about these types of programs, but it does make an interesting situation when you have a contract involved. The most interesting point that you make is “Did CBS have a valid business reason” for firing Imus? CBS is already in financial trouble and it looked like their biggest money making fixture (50 million per year?) had their investors, mainly advertisers, pulling out in droves. There was some picketing in front of the buildings but I tend to believe those are more staged than real public sentiment. I figure that CBS Execs saw the writing on the wall that the cash cow was gone. But the question will be was it really? I wonder if CBS would have continued with its idea that Imus serve his two week suspension, go to some rehab (sensitivity training), that after a month or two it would not all be forgotten. Some of the bigger advertisers would have pulled out, but that would have made room for those advertisers who thrive off of the kind of publicity that ìshock jocksî provide. I believe that the whole thing would have blown over and the main stream media would be on to its next Duke Rape Case or some Company executive who allegedly cooked the books. It amazes me the media circus that was created over three little words. Especially when we have bigger problems such as the War and watching government corruption run rampant in Washington.
Iím not for sure that this was a smart move on CBSí part. This will be another big hit on CBSí already fragile books. But I wouldnít count Imus out. We will see him again, maybe on Satellite like Howard Stern. The biggest problem that Imus has right now is that XM and Sirius are in an uphill battle with the FCC on their merger. So I donít see him back on the air anytime soon. Of course he wonít see the big money he was making for a while, but does he really need it? Of course not!
Neil Cavuto mentioned on Fox News Channel that he thought that it would take a year and then Imus will be back again, I tend to agree. These types of ìshockî programs are here to stay. It has been embedded in our society to look for the shock value from these types of programs.
Enough Said!