The big story in radio this week was Don Imus getting paid some bank from CBS Radio. Now Imus can come back and do his radio program again. So many rumors have circulated around the issue of Imus. From CBS letting him come back but watching him like a hawk, to him being forced into having a black side kick. To Imus finally just being paid to stay home and do nothing like O and A being paid by CBS to stay home, with them eventually coming back on XM Radio. Now that Imus is out of his CBS deal. The door is now open for his return but the rumors are now on. This week we take a look at the rumors and I tell you what Imus will do with all my knowledge of radio and info on the story.
The top rumor is that WABC in New York in NY is planning on clearing it's morning show which is currently Curtis and Kuby . Now both men have said if Imus was coming in, they would make no bones and step aside. The folks over at WABC have been mum about the topic. The big issue is if Imus makes a comeback there. They have a hell of a lineup, they have Rush and Hannity and many others. This is the powerhouse and they will win every ratings book in NY for as many years as they want it to. This is a strong rumor and could be the one that ends up being true.
The next rumor has been Imus moving to XM radio. Now XM could be a good home for Imus. He could find a home on the same dial as Opie and Anthony and Ron and Fez. Imus could be a huge addition to line up that is pretty good and could be better. Now the fact that XM has recently begun talks to Sirius about making merging. Now I believe that Imus could make it big in XM and he could end up back on CBS radio, hell XM syndicated O and A after they got banged out of CBS radio. Imus could follow them back to CBS Radio.
The other rumor is Sirius and that means that Imus could be re united with Mel Karmazine and Howard Stern. Stern and Imus were rivals for years and they were supposed to be the powerhouse that would win in the books. Well, now that could be a reality if he goes to the other Satalight company. This time both men have a factor and that is to stick it to CBS Radio. Mel has said that he would have never fired The I-Man and would re-hire him in a heartbeat if he had a shot. Now the rumor has some strong feelings cause Mel said this the day before Don was released from his CBS deal. Stern even said Don got a bad deal from CBS when it all started.
The next rumor is always out there and it could happen and that is, he just retires and goes away. However, I believe that he will not do that, He broad casted back in the day when he was on medical assistance. Imus also has said he would not go out this way plus he never commented on the matter. You know he would like to come back and make mention of it. He could cash in on interviews and books. Imus can make a huge comeback and do great things. However the strong rumor is not this one. Imus will not just dry up and blow away.
My take on all this is simple, and that is Imus could make a comeback on regular radio and slay CBS radio in the ratings and pull in a syndication deal from Clear Channel or Talk radio Network. Imus could also get a simulcast on TV from Fox News or someone like that. Imus will make a comeback but since he can not talk smack on CBS, I do not believe he will go to Satalight because the temptation will be too great. I believe the WABC rumor is strong or maybe a syndication deal from Clear Channel and much like Mancow does, no home base. Just syndication alone.
Finally, I believe that Imus got a raw deal. I think it's funny that this all blew over and the team he offended have moved on. However after he got paid, some player launched a law suit against Imus for the exact amount that was reported as to his payout. Now, let's look at this as just basic fouter for the dirt sheets. Imus could come back and be very toned down and tame or he could come back and go at people's throats. He knows what he is doing and he will make the right move and the world will make their choice with their listening and advertising dollars.
[I]-The Jiggy Jaguar-[/I]
[B]Editors Note[/B]
The Jiggy Jaguar Show can be heard Monday Nights on Kjagradio.com
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