Imus, Cho and Cash

When MSNBC fired Don Imus, they wrapped the decision in a glorious civic edict that America needed healing from hurtful, mean language. As we know, CBS followed suit and forced Imus into radiotirement.

Of course, what Imus said was stupid, and unfunny, a far greater sin.

But last night, NBC and MSNBC revealed their hypocrisy when they made the decision to resurrect Cho and air his videos and pictures, while reaping huge ratings, and yes, ad dollars.

There was no possible gain for airing anything that nut bag had to say—while lonely parents mourn the loss of children they could not protect, NBC partnered with Cho to sell more Fords.

I do credit NBC for consistency—advertisers chased Imus off the air while advertisers salivated at the chance to air spots during the Cho videos.

But it had nothing to do with a higher civic duty—in both cases, MSNBC and NBC just followed the money.