Imus reaches heartland via rural cable

From Proctorville, Ohio

I am so glad that Don Imus is back on TV…I was channel surfing and seen that he was on RFD-TV..so thank you for bringing him back on the air..MSNBC did him so wrong and I have no respect for that company nor do I watch any of their news..they need to get rid of Chris Matthews and Keith Oberman..they are the ones that are hurting MSNBC.

Don Imus glad to see you back on the air..I sure did miss you on the morning show..watched you all the time.

From Anonymous

The I-Man is a person I have listened to since the early 70's. His wit and creativity was what first attracted me to his broadcast on WNBC radio. Now WFAN. The whole Rutgers fiasco was just that. Much to do about nothing. But he will tell you himself he was wrong in what he said.

RFD's carriage of this Icon in Radio is a ground breaker for this mostly Satellite found Station. "Just On More Cow" is the Imus slogan for RFD. But remember, it's a radio show first.

If you do not like him just change the channel. It's that simple a child could do that.

He has toned down the show where it is now a place where not only Political News can be found, but funny bits by the new cast members, Karith Foster and Tony Powell, both African Americans.

So to those who say he is a waste of time, just don't watch or listen. And stop complaining. The I-Man will continue doing his charity work and also keep an open mind to race relations in the U.S. Something that is not been done by the Main Stream Media.

God Bless Imus and God Bless America.

From Teresa Bickford, Newport, ME

Can we buy this station in Maine???

From GORDON KNUTSON

TERRIFIC -
EDGY – GOOD POLITICAL DISCUSSION

From Lawson Kelley

Letter to RFDTV, I enjoy this tv station, its laid back interesting
programs keep me content,however when I turn it on before I go to work in
the morning the last thing I want to see is one of the most ugly un
attractive piece of crap good for nothing racist ever aired on tv, Don Imus,
I certainly hope RFDTV decides to keep him off their program, as all other
tv stations have passed him around like a hot potato ,RFD shouldn't be
degraded to show his junk, he should be taken out of the public eye period
this is one of the most discusting figures I've ever known in my
lifetime,he's not worth the air he breaths, is there a way I can send this
letter to RFDTV ? Thank You

From Alathea, Houston, Texas

Don Imus is an entertaining personality who has found a niche whether I agree with his comments or not, but I think he should keep to the radio. What I would really like to know, however, is how Patrick Gottsch found enough money to pay Imus all that money but has never managed to pay the numerous financial jusgements against RFDTV issued by a federal judge in Texas as a result of a U.S. Federal Court lawsuit!? Gottsch claims that he's all about Mom, apple pie and Chevrolet — but when it comes to financial obligations he tends to forget that's part of the heritage of rural American , too, just like responsibility and honesty. (Maybe I should ask Don where Gottsch keeps his check book?)

From Bill Stagg, Indianapolis IN

Dear Ms. Zouhali-Worrall,

After reading your recent article on RFD-TV (June 25, CNNMoney.com), I must say we were disappointed. Apart from taking RFD-TV to task for its relationship with the Don Imus (and taking unfair shots at some of the network’s programs, which, by extension, implicates its audience), the article sidesteps any mention of the good works done by RFD-TV and its founder, Patrick Gottsch.

If you had contacted us, you would have learned that for the past five years RFD-TV has energetically promoted the National FFA Organization and its 500,000 student members by broadcasting—without charge—our national convention and a weekly program produced by FFA. That service is not lost on students studying for careers in agriculture, their parents or the agriculture industry supporting 7,300 FFA chapters in schools across the nation.

You also would have learned that RFD-TV and its viewers made substantial cash contributions to the Seeds of Hope campaign FFA conducted to provide relief to communities and schools devastated by Hurricane Katrina. Within education and agriculture, at least, RFD-TV is appreciated for bringing important messages to Americans that other networks just don’t have the time or inclination to cover. And given that agricultural education and FFA draw students to agriculture not just from rural communities but from 15 of the nation’s 20 largest cities, RFD-TV’s efforts to bring its programming to urban audiences is nothing but good news for agriculture and for the rural communities that depend so heavily on it.

Certainly, it’s easy to poke fun at programming on any network. But if you delve more deeply into the programming schedule and examine the causes supported by RFD-TV, you’ll find content that matters and a willingness to spend corporate treasure in ways that change lives. We need more of that spirit in broadcasting, not less.

Should you consider a follow up to your initial report on RFD-TV, I would be pleased to serve as a source. You can learn more about FFA and agricultural education at http://www.ffa.org.

We salute you for serving the public through journalism. We will appreciate everything you can do to focus attention on those providing similar service to education, agriculture and local communities. That very much includes RFD-TV.

Bill Stagg
National FFA Organization
Indianapolis, Indiana

From Anonymous, Westford, MA

Imus is crass, sacrilegious and pitiful as he always looks for a 'shock' response from his staff and listeners. The fact that anyone would continue to listen to him is a sad commentary on what's important to us these days.

Although I can admire what he and his wife do for those less fortunate (Imus Ranch), this could be accomplished without berating and degrading others who may or may not be less fortunate.

Whether he is prejudiced or not is irrelevant, the sad fact is that he seems to find pleasure in degrading rather than uplifting others.

Compare his commentary with other philanthropists such as Bill Gates and Michael Jordan. They accomplish so much more without degrading others.

From Embarrassed for Patrick Gottsch

Dear Ms. Zouhali-Worrall:

I'd like to say that I sincerely appreciate your article and the value of
national PR. Obviously, Mr. Gottsch does not appreciate, understand it or
care to learn about journalism and how it works.

I provide a program on RFD-TV. I want you to know that he actually emailed
ALL of the programmers encouraging us to email you and express discontent
for your story. He forwarded the email he sent to you as well, and I was so
offended by his language towards you and what he was asking us to do.
Although I have experienced and heard about numerous acts of
unprofessionalism from Patrick, this is, by far the most embarrassing and
idiotic thing he has done.

First, he received national PR! This is good for the station and good for
all of us who have shows on the station. And he claims that it was a
negative story? What is he reading? From my standpoint, 95% of the article
was positive, OR just absolute truth and reality. Plus, it painted him has a
wholesome (which he is not), hardworking guy trying to make a unique station
stand out in the crowd. And the one negative quote wasn't even that bad.
It's just journalism; getting both sides of the story! And heck, won't it
make people want to check out the network even more? Yes!

Patrick has a gigantic ego, but obviously suffers from numerous
insecurities. He has a fresh-out-of-college daughter who is his publicity
"director." Either she has no control over him or she also feels his
ignorant reaction was justified. Yikes, we are all in trouble, and I guess
we can just sit and wait to see how he embarrasses us next.

I am choosing to withold my name because, as you may have guessed, Patrick
is famous for his retaliation and grudges. If I were to let him know how I
really felt about his actions, I'm sure my show would be off the air.

However, you are free to forward this message to him; all or some of it. I'd
love for him to know how his programmers feel. And by God, it is not just me
who feels this way.

Thanks again for the article. Have a great day.

From L Z

This world is made up of all kinds of people with different interest.
Your article demonstrated your obvious disgust for Mr. Imus,
"shock jock's chatter", "cancelled its Imus contract after his infamous
"nappy-headed hos" comment" etc.
However in doing so, you also demonstrated your inadequacies as a
journalist, exposing your "following the herd" mentality as related to Imus
bashing. You might look down at rural folks, because it certainly doesn't
sound like you think we are too smart, but you could learn a few things from
us.
1. We don't judge folks by their mistakes we judge them by what they do the
other 364 days of the year and by what they stand for when it comes to real
concerns, like helping others.
2. We look way beyond two-bit articles or news reports that are often
"created" for entertainment and figure out what the real facts are, and then
we size up the folks that are concerned and make our own judgment call.
3. Honesty is respected; sensationalism for the sake of demonstrating
ignorance is looked at as plain foolishness.

"Cheap and Cheerful" programming? Are we dealing with a professional here?
Some of the programs on RFD-TV are focused toward educational programming.
Providing instructional information on the care and welfare of our land, our
livestock and thereby our basic food source. RFD-TV isn't about creating the
latest "fad" program, the next sensation! It's about support a way of life,
family and values.
The next time you put a bite of nourishment in your mouth you best take time
to say thank you for those rural folks that allowed you to take that bite
and it wouldn't hurt to say thank you for RFD-TV, Patrick Gottsch and all of
the cheerful program providers that support the agricultural industry
despite unappreciative folks like yourself.

From john, Stamford Ct

Imus at his best is brilliant, original and funny. I miss Billy Sol Hargis, and especially Larry Kenney's fantastic mimicry… and the show is drowning in tacky advertising.. but when Imus' interviews are at their best (e.g. Sally Quinn last week) there simply is no better anywhere..

From Pam Minick – Fort Worth, TX

I have been to Imus Ranch, and witnessed among the kids who game such self confidence, many african-american children who are oblivious to the controversy. Their parents are broad-minded enough to agree that MOST of the African American community, including the basketball players, have accepted Imus' apology.
These young children enjoy the opportunity to ride a horse and play on the ranch and forget they are sick, or a different color than other children. Don Imus may be the only colorblind one of this whole controversial bunch.
I applaud him and RFD TV

From Dick, Morristown, NJ

A ballsy move by RFD to carry Imus. Think it could help propel them up. Cablevision says they're looking at RFD.

From TitansFan

true true! all these comments are about imus. arent there other things to talk about? like the content in the article?

From lucilleiniowa

What a great article for RFD-TV! I really enjoy this station. And although I don't like Imus, I've always admired the gumption and hard work of this odd little network. They are doing it all on their own, just like you said. Congrats to Mr. Gottch and his team. I think you guys have a great network and I've enjoyed watching it grow. From this article, it sounds like you are going to keep getting better!

From FarmerinNewYork

GO RFD! I love this network and I'm glad to see they are getting some newstime. They are unique and have some super weird shows and thats what makes them standout from all the million channels out there. I am a farm boy and will be moving back to the farm one day. Thanks for writing abotu them. They sound like the nice hardworking kind of people we need in the TV business these days.

From LadyoftheCorn

What a great article for RFD-TV! I really enjoy this station. And although I don't like Imus, I've always admired the gumption and hard work of this very unique network. They are doing it all on their own, just like you said. Congrats to Mr. Gottch and his team. I think you guys have a great network and I've enjoyed watching it grow. From this article, it sounds like you are going to keep getting better!

From NYB,Richmond, VA

No one is painting him as a racist, he's doing a good job of that himself. For instance he's is implying that African-Americans stay in legal trouble (in addition to having nappy hair). Fine, since you don't have a problem w/ that I can say something many people imply about Caucasians. If man comes out of the bathroom and doesn't wash his hands and I see it's a Causcasian…let's just say that explains it.

From Anonymous

No one oin this world is large enough to overcome the overcomers ie MLK

From Larry Hughes, Allen, Texas

Great idea. We miss him in Dallas, Texas.

From R Edwards Al

Don Imus is good, very good at what he does. To paint him as a racist is a racist statement. He simply asked what race Pac Man was to make a point. When told that Pac Man was black he said there you have it. He actually talked about him being in trouble 6 or more times and referred to profiling. People jump to conclusions too quickly and without getting all the facts. And that is the fault of news outlets like CNN MSNBC CNBC and NBC. They and your Al Sharpton's and Jessie Jackson's need someone to talk about and raise a stink to keep them in the headlines. They actually need to get a life and everyone knows that blacks are more prejudiced than whites. they all want something for nothing.

From Roger Allen

Don Imus is nowhere near the racist people are trying to make him out to be. If people want to jump on someone for making ignorant, racist comments, watch the recent Shaq video. Look at Al Sharpton, who only surfaces when he can stir up some controversy. Stop the double standards that live on.

From Steve Buckley, Elon, NC

Don Imus is one of the best interviewers on television. His guests are witty and well-informed. Some of his inane statements are grating as is his regular habit of humping Imusd ranch products or his wife's charities. But, the rest of the show is good enogh that I dropped time warner and installed Direct Tv so that I could get his show on RFD TV.

From Patricia Gushue New York New York

I do enjoy Don Imus and listen to him most mornings BUT since he went back on the air in Dec he has been trying too hard to prove he is not prejudiced – why ask what color someone is – it really shouldn't matter!!

From Thad Schiele, Denver, CO

Don Imus is funny, and topical. He is an old, lame, white man that continues to be recognized as "Pop Culture." Keep talk'n Don, I'll keep listening.

From John M Burson Monroe, LA

I miss Imus on MSNBC TV. I hate "Morning Joe" and Fox and Friends. They are just too silly.

From Benny, Carthage, NC

Don Imus is great. Get him on Dish Network at home in NC and am thinking of taking out time Warner Cable at vacation home in Myrtle Beach and putting in Dish Network there just so I can get Imus

From Mike Monroe MI

We all stoped the MSNBC & NBC here over the I MAN and went to CNN & CBS
Were are glad for him and his crew

From Sal, New York, NY

It is what it is. Just keep telling it like it is, Don. Hey, if a professional person is constantly in the news he's fair game. Now the story of an Alabama footplayer dealing drugs. What goes around comes around. It is what it is! and that's the plain truth. Like it or not.

From Jim White Lake MI

People many many people will watch the show.

I blocked MSNBC from my TV the day they fired IMUS and I will never unblock it. MSNBC is the company that will suffer in the end.

From Mike Uncasville,CT

Don't waste my time. I used to be a loyal listener and his show stinks.

From Ernie Bunnell

I love the guy – he is down to earth and make a lot of sense to me – he made some mistakes but i have not met someone in my life that hasn't especially in this politically correct world we live in. His dedication to helping others with his ranch speaks for itself.

From Todd Kight,Des Moines, IA

Imus is a very experienced radio/tv host, who knows how to intertwine current political news with good music while at the same time showing certain obvious absurdities like a master. It boils down to his anti-Republican streak unfailingly getting him into trouble.

From Tom,Claremont,NH

The guy is a JERK!!!
His reason for the comment is lame.
He is no longer funny…..he needs to go!!! Packing his new show with African Americans doesn't cut it! He is a racist and has shown it for many years…..turn him off!!

From Diana Chadwick, West Plains, MO

Thank you for bringing Don Imus back. He is a hoot and most of the world (the real world) knows that he is a master of sarcasm. But like Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity, Bill O'Reilly, Imus challenges, entertains and is someone who, like him or not, is an original and real. Most of the real world is simply tired of the media and the untruths. We are tired of being ignored in favor of the flakes in the world. So thank you for bringing him back.