CBS must think that the general public has short-term memory. The spot left blank after they fired shock jock Don Imus for his disparaging, racist, homophobic and sexist comments about the Rutgers basketball team is going to be filled by Craig Carton and Boomer Esiason. Carton is one half of the New Jersey duo Jersey Guys and his track record is not much better than Imus's--his comments have just been limited to the Jersey area.
This article details his past indiscretions that include offensive remarks and actions towards women, Hispanics, and Asians. Lovely.
CBS does not think it will be a problem, however, because Carton and Esiason are doing a sports show. Dan Mason, president of CBS Radio said "this show is not as much about controversy as it is about sports."
Because there is no controversy in sports which has always been open to and accepting of and equal in its treatment of non-white peoples, gays, and women.
And in case anyone was worried about Imus, he and CBS have settled their disputes--no details except that Imus will not speak disparagingly of his former employers and the breach of contract suit he brought against CBS is now over. And there are rumors he may have a new job. Though not a done deal, WABC may be willing to risk public outrage by putting Imus back on the air.
1 comment:
Actually, I believe that might make CBS correct--the public does have short-term memory, and even that is pretty poor. I also think that sexist, racist and gay-hating comments will be tolerated more on a sports show than on a general news/features show. Especially sexist comments, considering how much of sexism is subtle, and how there is a built-in male-establishment presumption about all sports.
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