American talk-show host Don Imus has been axed from his syndicated morning show, CBS has confirmed. The shock decision, effective immediately, comes after he made comments about the NCAA Women’s Basketball last week. Imus in the Morning was carried on 61 stations across the United States.
His long time arch rival Howard Stern said on his Satellite Radio show earlier the same day that, according to his contacts in the business, he's been fired and would be surprised if he was on-air Friday. Much to his delight, his prediction has come true.
CBS President and Chief Executive Officer Leslie Moonves said in a statement today: "From the outset, I believe all of us have been deeply upset and repulsed 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. Those who have spoken with us the last few days represent people of goodwill from all segments of our society — all races, economic groups, men and women alike. In our meetings with concerned groups, 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, as have the many emails, phone calls and personal discussions we have had with our colleagues across the CBS Corporation and our many other constituencies.”
The cancellation of the program comes after statements Mr. Imus made about the young women who comprised the Rutgers
University Women’s Basketball team, which reached the finals of the NCAA Women’s Basketball Championship this spring.
Moonves concluded: “I want to thank all those who came to see us to express their views. We are now presented with a significant opportunity to expand on our record on issues of diversity, race and gender. We intend to seize that opportunity as we move forward together.”
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