Critics Want No Airtime for Imus

April 12, 2007 — -- Although MSNBC has canceled its TV simulcast of Don Imus' show Wednesday, his radio show continues on CBS.

This morning, he didn't seem optimistic about the radio show's future.

"As you know MSNBC folded up yesterday so we're just on the radio, and I didn't sense a lot of courage from the people of CBS," Imus said.

NBC News president Steve Capus said he decided to pull Imus off the air after hearing from angry viewers and employees.

"There was a tremendous amount of pain caused by these comments, and I understand that and that's why I've taken this action," Capus said.

C. Vivian Stringer, the head coach of the Rutgers women's basketball team, said she was gratified with NBC's decision.

"It restores my faith in people," she told ABC News' Dan Harris. "The response that we have just seen from MSNBC speaks to the moral consciousness of people coming to the front."

Imus' strongest critics say the fallout shouldn't stop here, and many are calling for CBS to take his radio show off the airwaves.

"It is our feeling that this is only the beginning. This must be a walk that CBS now does," said the Rev. Al Sharpton, who will lead a protest today outside CBS radio's headquarters.

In a statement, CBS said it planned to put Imus on a two-week unpaid suspension starting Monday and to "monitor the situation closely."

Meanwhile, at least eight major corporate sponsors have suspended their ads for Imus' radio show. And Bruce Gordon, a member of the CBS board of directors, is publicly calling for the CEO to oust Imus.

"I would absolutely fire him from his job," Gordon said.

The players and coach of the Rutgers women's basketball team still plan to meet with Imus. Many observers say the outcome of that meeting could have a major impact on whether Imus gets to keep his radio show.