Imus Settlement Nears
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NEW YORK (AP) – While there are signs that Don Imus is close to a settlement with CBS Radio, it’s unclear whether a deal between the dismissed DJ and his former employer would put him back on the air.
A person familiar with the case said Friday that the two sides were in the process of reaching an agreement that would pre-empt the veteran DJ’s threatened $120 million breach of contract suit. The person, who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity, is not authorized to speak publicly about the dispute.
Neither Imus’ attorney nor CBS Radio would comment on any aspect of the case.
The possible settlement, first reported Friday in the New York Post, was the latest indication that the Hall of Fame broadcaster’s dramatic broadcasting demise could be reversed. Imus was fired in April after directing a sexist, racial insult at the Rutgers women’s basketball team.
The Reverend Al Sharpton, who spearheaded the “Fire Imus” movement, said last week that he would not oppose the 67-year-old DJ’s return to radio.
And Mr. Imus confidant Bo Dietl, a frequent guest on Mr. Imus’ radio show, hinted earlier this month that his friend might return to radio in the fall. “I really don’t know what’s going on now,” Mr. Dietl said Friday.
But there was no clear answer to whether an agreement with CBS would returnMr. Imus to the airwaves, where he starred for 40 years. One industry analyst said he doubted that CBS would bring Imus back.
“It’s a little like one of those breakups where a husband and wife say things on the way out the door that can’t be taken back,” said Tom Taylor of www.radio-info.com, a soundboard for news and information about the radio industry. “I think CBS made some of those no-turning-back comments.”
Just before his dismissal, Mr. Imus signed a five-year, $40 million CBS contract. Famed First Amendment lawyer Martin Garbus said in May that Mr. Imus planned to sue CBS for $120 million in unpaid salary and damages, although the suit was never filed.
CBS said Mr. Imus was terminated for cause, while Garbus insisted that the broadcaster’s contract included a clause specifying that his “irreverent” and “controversial” program was “consistent with company rules and policy.”
WFAN-AM, at one time the flagship station for Mr. Imus’ nationally syndicated program, has yet to find a permanent replacement for him. A variety of fill-in hosts, including ex-NFL star Boomer Esiason and tennis great John McEnroe, have stepped in
