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MSNBC drops Imus show

By ASSOCIATED PRESS
Published April 12, 2007

NEW YORK - MSNBC said Wednesday it will drop its simulcast of the Imus in the Morning radio program, responding to growing outrage about the radio host's racial slur against the Rutgers women's basketball team.

"This decision comes as a result of an ongoing review process, which initially included the announcement of a suspension. It also takes into account many conversations with our own employees," NBC News said in a statement.

The announcement also was made on air.

Talk-show host Don Imus triggered the uproar on his April 4 show, when he referred to the mostly black Rutgers women's basketball team as "nappy-headed hos." His comments have been widely denounced by civil rights and women's groups.

The decision does not affect Imus' nationally syndicated radio show, and the ultimate decision on the fate of that program will rest with executives at CBS Corp. In a statement, CBS reiterated that Imus will be suspended without pay for two weeks beginning Monday and that CBS Radio "will continue to speak with all concerned parties and monitor the situation closely."

MSNBC's action came after a growing list of sponsors - including American Express Co., Staples Inc., Procter & Gamble Co. and General Motors Corp. - said they were pulling ads from Imus' show for the indefinite future.

But it did not end calls for Imus to be fired from the radio portion of his program. The show originates from WFAN-AM in New York City and is syndicated nationally by Westwood One, both of which are managed by CBS Corp.

Bruce Gordon, former head of the NAACP and a director of CBS Corp., said before MSNBC's decision Wednesday he hoped the broadcasting company would "make the smart decision" by firing Imus.

"He's crossed the line; he's violated our community," Gordon said in a telephone interview with the Associated Press. "He needs to face the consequence of that violation."

Imus has apologized repeatedly for his comments. He said Tuesday he hadn't been thinking when making a joke that went "way too far." He also said that those who called for his firing without knowing him, his philanthropic work or what his show was about would be making an "ill-informed" choice.

DJ fired after contest

ALLENTOWN, Pa. - A radio station fired its longtime morning DJ on Wednesday after he encouraged listeners to repeat talk-show host Imus' racially charged comments in an on-air contest.

Gary Smith told WSBG-FM listeners to call in to his Gary in the Morning show and say "I'm a nappy-headed ho" for Tuesday's "Phrase that Pays" contest, said Rick Musselman, executive vice president of station owner Nassau Broadcasting Partners L.P.

Musselman said three of the listeners who called were awarded tickets to a NASCAR promotion at a local club.

[Last modified April 12, 2007, 01:36:29]