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Updated: Tuesday, October 9, 2007
Published: Tuesday, October 9, 2007 |
Contact:
NABJ Communications
(866) 479-NABJ
NABJ to Citadel: End Imus Talks
WASHINGTON, D.C., October 9, 2007-The National Association of Black Journalists urges Citadel Broadcasting chief executive Farid Suleman to halt negotiations to return former radio personality Don Imus to the airwaves.
A similar request was made early today of Fox Chairman Roger Ailes. However, NABJ has learned Fox News is backing away from any association with Imus.
In a telephone conversation with NABJ president Barbara Ciara today, a Fox News spokesman said his company has not made a deal or been in discussions with Imus to simulcast the radio program on television.
Imus was fired last April after the shock jock called members of the Rutgers women's basketball team 'nappy-headed hos.'
"NABJ remains outraged after the racially inflammatory insults made by Don Imus last spring. He used his free speech to broadcast hate speech. To put him back on the air now makes light of his serious and offensive racial remarks that are still ringing in the ears of people all over this country," said Barbara Ciara, NABJ president.
"It seems inconceivable that less than a year after Imus was dismissed from CBS Radio and MSNBC for his vicious insults upon the Rutgers women's basketball team, that Citadel Broadcasting would consider putting him back on the air," said Ernie Suggs, NABJ's Vice President of Print.
NABJ questions why any responsible broadcast company would give Imus a forum to continue his history of racial insults on his program. Citadel Broadcasting owns 243 radio stations including ABC Radio Networks, and powerhouse radio station WABC in New York.
"It is our hope that Citadel Broadcasting will put decency and good broadcast practices ahead of a dysfunctional alliance," Ciara added.
NABJ appreciates the swift action from CBS radio, NBC and its cable channel MSNBC in condemning Imus' remarks and removing him from the airwaves six months ago, and now hopes Citadel Broadcasting will do the right thing and break off negotiations with the incendiary host.
An advocacy group established in 1975 in Washington, D.C., NABJ is the largest organization of journalists of color in the nation, with more than 4,100 members, and provides educational, career development and support to black journalists worldwide.
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