Unmentionable words.

By | |

Back when US “shock jock” Michael Savage was fired by MSNBC (justifiably in my opinion) mention was made by the BBC of his right wing politics. (‘The brash, conservative Savage is founder of the Paul Revere Society, which advocates closing borders and deporting illegal immigrants.’)

When Rush Limbaugh was pushed into resignation (unjustifiably in my opinion) from the ESPN cable TV network, mention was made of his right wing politics. (‘The veteran commentator is also the radio host of the politically focused Rush Limbaugh Show … Mr Limbaugh uses the show to berate feminists, homosexuals and what he calls “environmentalist wackos” says he will not retire until all Americans agree with him.’)

There have been loads of BBC stories about the firing of Don Imus, too.

  • Bumpy career of originial “shock jock”
  • CBS fires racism row radio host
  • MSNBC drops race row disc jockey
  • Race row US DJ loses advertisers
  • Shock Jock racism

    Only no mention of his politics. This link takes you to a description of a (quite well publicised) incident when Imus and a friend fantasized about how various prominent Republicans would act on the gallows. Isn’t that quirky detail worth a quick note on his potted bio, such as Rush Limbaugh got?

    The clear dichotomy that these examples suggest may not really be so clear, however. Though a Democrat*, I gather that Mr Imus loathes and is loathed by the Clintons. Commenters knowing more than I about American shock-jockery are invited to offer their theories.

    *UPDATE: Lively discussion in comments as to Imus’s actual political affiliation.

    Click through to read and contribute comments on this post.

    • Bookmark the permalink.

    Comments are closed.