The Consequences of Attacking Don Imus

Why NBC Does Not Have Real Integrity

This week the media found a new whipping boy, Don Imus, to distract the general public from real issues that do not make news programs any money.

In a firestorm of racial hysteria Al Sharpton, and Jesse Jackson have been relentless in the call for firing the "shock jock" Don Imus. CBS announced they will suspend the radio host for two weeks beginning next Monday. MSNBC responded immediately by pulling the television simulcast of "Imus in the Morning."

The question that many have asked is, "Why is CBS waiting until next week to do this?"

The simple matter is that, Thursday, April 12, and Friday, April 13, Don Imus is doing his best to help kids with cancer.

For the last eighteen years Don Imus hosted a yearly Radiothon to raise money for children living with cancer. The Radiothon proceeds are split evenly between three charities, Tomorrows Children's Fund, CJ Foundation for SIDS and the Imus Ranch. While I do understand the potential fraud of the Imus Ranch and do applaud the investigation into it however, the other charities do not need to suffer.

The good news is that despite having lost the TV audience that would typically watch the show and donate many people still are contributing.

As of 9 a.m. $450,000 had been pledged, and within the first five hours the amount of money raised was around 1 million dollars. These figures were reported by the New York Mercantile Exchange who also reported that volunteers were receiving 200 more pledges than the previous year.

This is a very good thing, that is why CBS held off on his suspension, why would they want to let children suffer by handicapping a fundraiser?

Apparently, NBC figured they had a reason. Hours before the show started on Thursday MSNBC announced they would not simulcast the "Imus in the Monring" show. This seriously handicapped the power of the show to draw in money.

Only a few saw this as a bad thing, and took up the call. "The Opie and Anthony Show" has been the loudest with Opie and Anthony in their support.