Don Imus Sues CBS

[David Tomm]

That's not the only defense he has.  According to some reports, his 
contract stated that CBS expected him to provide compelling, edgy, 
topical and controversial content.  What he said is certainly covered 
by that clause.  The deal also allegedly stipulated that if a major 
incident like this arose, he would be given one formal reprimand, but 
not lose his job.  A second offense would result in termination.  He 
never received that reprimand so CBS may have breached the deal right 
there.   As far as the delay goes, what he said did not violate any FCC 
regulation which is why most stations use the delay.  Still, it's an 
interesting argument.

If any of this is close to accurate, I can't see how Imus doesn't win 
this case.  I believe the two sides will settle and CBS will have to 
pony up most of the money owed to him.  He'll lay low while this 
litigates and once he wins, he'll be back on the radio.  A lot of 
people have said he'll go to Sirius with Mel Karmazin but I disagree.  
My guess is he'll be doing morning drive at either WABC or WOR and self 
syndicate his show to markets outside New York.  Could Barnicle be a 
"placeholder" morning show on WTKK until Imus resurfaces?  Time will 
tell.

-Dave Tomm
"Mike Thomas"


On May 4, 2007, at 5:18 PM, Roger Kirk wrote:

> As reported on WBZ NewsRadio 1030 this morning, Don Imus is suing CBS 
> claiming he was wrongfully fired.  His defence:  CBS had delay in 
> place plus the ability to bleep/ censor him - yet didn't use it.
>
> Will that hold water?
>
>