NEW YORK — Shock jock Don Imus will return to the airwaves Dec. 3 after eight months of a well-paid hiatus created by a racist and sexist remark that once seemed certain to permanently silence his broadcasting career.
Citadel Broadcasting Corp. made the announcement Thursday, confirming long-rumored reports that Imus was coming back to morning drive time on New York-based WABC-AM.
The cantankerous Imus was fired April 12 by CBS Radio amid a firestorm of controversy over his “nappy-headed hos” remark about the Rutgers University women’s basketball team.
“We are ecstatic to bring Don Imus back to morning radio,” said WABC radio President and General Manager Steve Borneman. “Don’s unique brand of humor, knowledge of the issues and ability to attract big-name guests is unparalleled. He is rested, fired up and ready to do great radio.”
Imus will return with his longtime newsman, Charles McCord, and other members of his morning team, Citadel said in announcing the move. It did not specifically mention Bernard McGuirk, the producer who instigated Imus on the Rutgers comment and was fired as well.
No financial details were made public in the four-paragraph announcement of Imus’ return. Imus’ attorney, Martin Garbus, confirmed the deal, but did not elaborate on the details.
There was also no word on syndication or any TV deal for the Imus show. His “Imus In the Morning” program aired on more than 70 stations and the MSNBC cable network.
Imus’ resurrection is hardly unprecedented in his four-decade career. The veteran radio personality has emerged intact in the past after assorted firings, bad publicity, a high-profile drug and alcohol addiction and a disastrous appearance at a Washington dinner before President Clinton.
Then the acid-tongued broadcasting icon was fired after his remark about the Rutgers team sparked a national furor and calls by civil rights leaders and broadcast journalists for him to resign.
But just three months later, Al Sharpton, one of the strongest voices calling for the shock jock’s firing, said Imus had a right to make a living and could return to radio.
Citadel Broadcasting CEO Farid Suleman also recently defended Imus, telling The New York Times in a recent interview: “He didn’t break the law. He’s more than paid the price for what he did.”
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