One final word: sexism

An open letter to NBC News President Steve Capus:

Mr. Capus:

There is no question in my mind that you know the man Don Imus is, love him and loved his show. You said so, and I take you at your word.

Over the years that “Imus in the Morning” was simulcast on MSNBC, I missed few mornings having coffee with the I-man and his staff and guests.

I always came away from his broadcasts better informed and feeling pretty good that someone with such clout is helping others – through charities and political discourse.

Throughout the media blitz against Don Imus your anchors and show hosts characterized his unfortunate words as “highly charged racist and sexist remarks.”

May I point out to you, Mr. Capus, your own sexist shortcomings?

A few years back, in a discussion with friends on a liberal forum, one male commented, “There’s one thing you can say for Fox News, they’ve got hot babes as news readers.”

Not long after that you began to fill your daytime schedule with “hot babes,” who seem to have no more journalistic skills than being able to read a teleprompter or listen to producers in their earpiecess.

Over the last year, MSNBC's daytime schedule has been dominated by news of Anna Nicole Smith, Lindsay Lohan, Paris Hilton and Britney Spears. These female “role models” even find their way into your evening programs.

There are no female hosts on your nightly lineup, and, I believe, only one black female, who substitutes as a nighttime host.

Mr. Capus, what message is MSNBC sending to the teenage girls of our country?

As I write this I’m listening to Imus raising money for sick kids on the annual Radiothon, streaming live on WFAN.com. He sounds relaxed and upbeat this morning, doing what he does best. I thought you would want to know.

Sincerely,

Ms. B. J. Trotter