The Radio Equalizer: Brian Maloney

20 November 2007

Imus Again Using Cancer Charity To Deflect Away Criticism

SAINT IMUS RETURNS

Up To Old Tricks, Uses Cancer Charity To Bolster Image







For years, whenever Don Imus was fending off criticism over the content of his show or creepy personal antics, his elitist defenders always had a ready answer: "that may be, but he sure does a lot for kids with cancer", or something to that effect.

The I-Man's insider pals didn't come up with that excuse on his own: he was always quick to point to his charity work whenever needed (or to use it to help friends in a similar fix). It leads critics to wonder if he really cares about others, or if the Imus Ranch is all about public image.

Forgotten in the ridiculous "Second Chance For Imus" (that is about to wipe away a great deal of solid programming from ABC radio stations across the country) is his long history of mistreating others. That includes former co-workers both on the air and at the ranch.


And in perhaps his most cynical ploy ever, the crustmeister will kick off his first show with a benefit for the ranch, with tickets to see it going for $100 a pop. What a great way to avoid tough questions upon his return!

That has mainstream media pals salivating at the chance to once again prop up Saint Imus in an entirely unquestioning manner. From the New York Daily News:


Don Imus is picking up where he left off - raising money to help children with cancer.

When he was kicked off WFAN (660 AM) in April, he was in the middle of the annual WFAN Radiothon that benefits child-related charities, including Hackensack Medical Center, the SIDS Foundation and the Imus Ranch.

So when he returns Dec. 3 to start his new 6-10 a.m. gig at WABC (770 AM), he'll use the first show to raise money for the Ranch, by charging $100 a ticket to see that show live at Town Hall.

He and his wife, Deirdre, bring children with cancer to the ranch every year to ride, rope and work.


Meanwhile, Don's elitist liberal friends are lining up to appear on the new show, which is said to include a token African- American in some kind of as- yet undisclosed role. Again from David Hinckley's report:


His cast is expected back, though Bernard McGuirk's role may change. It was announced yesterday that Bob Gelb, eight-year producer of "Mike and the Mad Dog" on WFAN, has resigned to join Imus.

There could also be other new faces and a shuffled guest lineup. James Carville says he will be a first-day guest.


Just because Imus successfully brown- nosed a corporate exec into making a comeback, one that will probably harm his new employer's bottom line greatly, does not mean his past sins should be forgiven or forgotten. Forget "nappy-headed hos", this guy's jerkery goes back decades.


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10 Comments:

  • Imus has a chance to pick off where he left off... $100 to experience the return on an Icon, attend a Levon Helm performance and witness a media event and the cash is a charitable donation. I'm in!

    What is it you equalize anyway?

    By Blogger channelXRFR, at 20 November, 2007 16:59  

  • ChannelX

    I am guessing he doesn't get the same kind of payday as Imus. Envy? one of the seven deadly sins. They say there is no such thing as bad publicity, we will find out shortly.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 20 November, 2007 22:52  

  • What do you care what his motives are -- the result is the most important thing, millions given to charities to help childrens causes and to fight cancer. Or do you have something against that? -- Please.

    I welcome Imus back and am grateful that I don't share your cynicism Shame on you for your pandering article -- who are you sucking up to?

    --- from Phyllis

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 21 November, 2007 00:00  

  • Altruism is to be applauded, but I'm still not sure Imus will fare well on WABC in New York...

    By Blogger hashfanatic, at 21 November, 2007 01:33  

  • Seems you didn't like my last post so I'll try another.

    Mr. Maloney, you're full of baloney. Is that a good start? If I were you I'd be afraid to go out in a thunderstorm, afraid lightning would strike me for the nasty, cynical things you said in this article. You know why I think that? I think that you know better than what you wrote, and that is a terrible thing to do. I believe you are casting your lot with the wrong side in this one, because Imus IS coming back, and he WILL continue to raise millions and millions to donate to charitable causes. What do you care what his motives are anyway? And, what is your charity and how many millions have you contributed?

    By Blogger Phyllis, at 21 November, 2007 05:09  

  • Radio Equalizer: Are you outraged by rappers and rap moguls such as Russell Simmons, Snoop Dog, etal., BET and music execs who have accumulated billions of dollars by denigrating the women of their own community? Did they apologize to the women of their community, or did I miss something? I’m still waiting for Sharpton to organize a boycott of the advertisers who sponsor misogynistic videos on BET and rap lyrics on the radio’s public airwaves. “Protests” and “marches” now and again will not suffice, nor will “recommendations” by Russell Simmons to refrain from such language. Why don’t you demand the immediate firing of these rappers and executives? Why don’t you shut down Dave Chappelle, Chris Rock and other comedians? Why don’t you demand the firing of Isiah Thomas? Your self-righteous holier than thou hypocrisy is staggering!

    What have you done lately to help those who are less fortunate than you?

    Who appointed you as the thought police and arbiter of virtuous radio behavior? This is straight out of the former Soviet Union’s propaganda machine. Or, perhaps you are ignorant of the history of totalitarian governments – so-called “offensive” remarks, and off to the re-education camp you go!

    If you don’t find that Imus has anything of value to offer, that is your prerogative but such an opinion is irrelevant. Yes, you have a right to voice criticism and argue against the show, but you have no right not to be offended. You have no right to impose your sensibilities on others. Likewise, others do not have a right to compel you to listen to a broadcast that does not interest or appeal to you. If one believes in a free society, no speech should ever be suppressed or censured by whatever pressure group of the month — if you don’t like it, argue against it or turn it off. Network television generally insults my intelligence, but I have no right to demand a shutdown of the inane stupidities that are broadcast on a daily basis. I simply choose not to watch.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 21 November, 2007 09:22  

  • Who annointed you as the all-knowing one who can discern motives?

    I heard a very wise man say once, "I am not all that concerned about motives as long as these needs get met."

    So, unlike you, I am not able to look on Mr. Imus' heart and tell for sure and certain what is motives are for raising millions of dollars to help those who need help, all I know is he DOES it and that's enough for me.!

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 21 November, 2007 10:10  

  • From my reading of your comments I guess Imus doesn't tow your ridiculous right wing crap enough for you so you have find a way to cut the man down.

    By Blogger Unknown, at 21 November, 2007 12:22  

  • your the lowest of the low brian theres a place in hell for scum like you .imus thank you for helping childern with cancer

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 21 November, 2007 14:28  

  • Good grief-what a bunch of leftist nitwits! When hashfanatic is the voice of reason in this comment thread, I know the islamonazi martyrs in hell need beaucoup blankets!

    Especially this:

    "Yes, you have a right to voice criticism and argue against the show, but you have no right not to be offended. You have no right to impose your sensibilities on others. Likewise, others do not have a right to compel you to listen to a broadcast that does not interest or appeal to you. If one believes in a free society, no speech should ever be suppressed or censured by whatever pressure group of the month — if you don’t like it, argue against it or turn it off."

    This is a study in contradictions. This guy comes to Brian's personally owned blog and makes the point that he's entitled to 'voice cricitism', then turns around and implies that by doing so he's imposing his sensibilities on others?!

    And I don't remember the part of the post where Brian claimed he was being compelled to listen to the leftist bigot's show...uh, pardon the redundancy.

    Or that Don Anus be 'suppressed or censured' (the word's censored, Einstein). It seems to me that Brian was criticizing WABC's decision, on his own blog-expressing his opinion. To use your own words, if you don't like it, don't read it!

    Hash, I dunno about altruistic (seems more opportunistic to me, as in say a 'Get Out of Trouble Free' card, which I think was one of Brian's points here), but I will say that the cause is commendable. Don Anus is (again) a leftist bigot, and an obnoxious twit-and pretty damn stupid, evidently; I wouldn't listen to the guy at gunpoint. I wish WABC the worst of luck ratings-wise in his time slot. Thank me! Over and out.

    By Blogger ProudGulfWarVet65, at 24 November, 2007 04:48  

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