CBS Pulls the Plug on Imus

CBS  has fired Don Imus, in a surprise move a week after the jockey called the Rutgers womens' basketball team "nappy headed hos," provoking a war of words over race in America. CBS Prez Les Moonves finally announced the decision today, citing the feelings of "young women of color trying to make their way in this society."

The decision came a day after MSNBC dropped Imus' syndication. The putative slur galvanized politicians and pundits against the Imus show, which was broadcast on WFAN and banked parent CBS $15 million a year. Civil rights activist Al Sharpton led the public outcry which eventually succeeded in felling the shock jock. "It's not about taking Imus down," Sharpton said prophetically. "It's about lifting decency up." (More CBS stories.)