Death of Don Imus, Radio Shock Jock: Mixed Reactions

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The news of the passing of radio legend Don Imus on Friday (Dec. 27) at age 79 led to widely divergent reactions, much like his decades-long career. Even before the ill-advised derogatory remarks he made about the Rutgers University women’s college basketball team in 2007 – which we will not repeat here – Imus courted controversy by doing what drivetime radio hosts do, i.e., make outrageous statements.

While that can’t be overlooked, neither should his passionate work in helping countless children stricken with cancer – and their families – cope with their circumstances by hosting them at the Imus Ranch in New Mexico, which he ran with his wife, Deirdre. Imus also quietly raised money for wounded veterans.

He and Howard Stern bookended New York’s WNBC-AM, with morning drive helmed by Imus in the Morning and Stern in afternoon drive. The pair famously feuded for years.

Imus earned every radio award imaginable. As CBS News reporter Anthony Mason wrote, “Love him or hate him (& he gave his audience cause to do both) he was a giant in radio.”

What follows are some reactions, including many from people he worked with and had an impact on over his career, as well as some from others who couldn’t look past Imus’ numerous transgressions.

Don Imus was a racist and misogynist. He sexually harassed multiple women I know personally.

Was he a pioneer in his field? Sure. So was Roger Ailes.

— Yashar Ali 🐘 (@yashar) December 27, 2019

Rest in peace Don Imus, iconic radio talk show host, funny, brilliant observer of American life, generous to so many, children with cancer; ever grateful for his contributions to Spina Bifida: my thoughts are with Deirdre and his family

— Judy Woodruff (@JudyWoodruff) December 27, 2019

Sports talk show host Christopher “Mad Dog” Russo thanked Imus for “putting me on the map…

The @MadDogUnleashed reflects on the passing of the Great #DonImus pic.twitter.com/q6UfPnmNFW

— Mad Dog Sports Radio (@MadDogRadio) December 27, 2019

Don Imus, radio legend, has passed away. A true pioneer. He was a great mentor and going from being his biggest fan as a teenager to being his regular fill in years later, was a great honor. We all learned a lot of things from him. RIP. #imus pic.twitter.com/lOfZHOeE4m

— MARK SIMONE (@MarkSimoneNY) December 27, 2019

When Imus was fired by MSNBC for his 2007 statements about the Rutgers players, the network replaced him with Morning Joe. Host Joe Scarborough said, “Morning Joe obviously owes its format to Don Imus. No one else could have gotten away with that much talk on cable news. Thanks for everything, Don.”

RIP dear friend Don #imus a great talent, who scorched the airwaves w smart, irreverent funny entertaining envelope-pushing comedic commentary. Proud to say he was my 1st announcer on my first national show #GoodNightAmerica. Regrets to Deirdre & deep thx for all you did together

— Geraldo Rivera (@GeraldoRivera) December 27, 2019

Imus’ final radio broadcast was on March 20, 2018