Imus departure marks 'The Death of Satire'--Imus CV from WTAN

At WTAN-1340 AM in Clearwater, co-owner Lola Wagenvoord was upset to see a popular show disappear from her airwaves with little notice and few clues about what would replace him.

"We're sick here. ... I don't think this is quite right," Wagenvoord said. "I don't agree with what Imus said. ... But this hurts everybody."

" Imus in the Morning on WFAN/New York and TanTalk (WTAN/WZHR) Tampa is a blend of cultural satire, prominent newsmakers and ribald humor. Behind his on-air acid personality is a man dedicated to helping youngsters through extensive charity work.

• Honored by Time Magazine as one of the 25 most influential people in America, the legendary “I-Man” is one of radio’s hottest personalities. Americans from coast to coast start their day the satirical way with Imus and his merry band of sidemen.

Imus has been featured on NBC’s “Today” show, the ABC programs “Prime Time Live” and “20/20,” and on CBS’ “48 Hours” and “60 Minutes.” He has been a guest of Charlie Rose, David Letterman and Larry King.

• Time magazine once named Don one of the 25 most influential people in America. More recently, Don appeared on the cover of Newsweek magazine in a feature article titled, “The Importance of Being Imus.”

Imus is also a best-selling author and an accomplished amateur photographer. His novel, “God’s Other Son,” spent three months on the New York Times best-seller. His most recent book, “Two Guys, Four Corners,” rose to number 13 on the New York Times best-seller list.

In September of 1996, the Imus radio program began being simulcast live on cable network MSNBC. The Imus program on TanTalk features recurring, prominent guests ranging from Sen. John McCain to bluesman B.B. King. Tim Russert of NBC’s Meet the Press, CNN’s Jeff Greenfield and Tom Brokaw are also are regulars.

Since 1990, Imus has headlined a radiothon that has raised over 50-million dollars to benefit the Tomorrows Children’s Fund, the CJ Foundation for SIDS, and the Imus Ranch for kids with cancer.

Don Imus was inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame in 1989"

From WTAN Radio website

• Comment from WTAN owner from St. Petersburg Times article by Eric Deggans, 4/13/07

(What you want instead is a bland life, such as that delivered by the no-talent, uninspiring boredom of someone like WFAN overnight host Tony Paige. sm)

Tweet Stumbleupon StumbleUpon