Fri, Apr 20, 2007 4:53pm ET

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Imus Replacement Tryouts: Media Matters Statement

Philadelphia Radio Host & Columnist Michael Smerconish Tapped

Washington, DC - In the wake of the Don Imus controversy, NBC News president Steve Capus acknowledged "that there have been any number of other comments that have been enormously hurtful to far too many people. And my feeling is that ... there should not be a place for that on MSNBC."

He also stated, "This is about trust. It's about reputation. It's about doing what's right," later adding, "I hope we don't squander this remarkable opportunity that we have to continue this dialogue that has taken place, to continue the dialogue about what is appropriate conduct and speech, to continue the dialogue about what is happening in America. I think we have, as broadcasters, a responsibility to address those matters." [MSNBC's Hardball with Chris Matthews; 4/11/07]

According to an April 20 Philly.com article, "The Big Talker 1210 AM morning show of Daily News columnist Michael Smerconish is to be simulcast Monday through Wednesday on MSNBC." The article noted that Smerconish will fill the slot previously held by Imus in the Morning, which was canceled on April 11 in the wake of controversial comments by Imus, then the host, on the April 4 edition of the show.

David Brock, President and CEO of Media Matters for America made the following statement today regarding the selection of Smerconish:

"It is our hope that as one of Imus' temporary replacements, Michael Smerconish, as well as other broadcasters, news corporations, and journalists, will take Mr. Capus' words of 'responsibility' and 'opportunity' to heart.

"In the past, Michael Smerconish has said that Muslims who pray in public are committing "a form of terrorism," and he has complained that the United States' "limp-wristedness" is "compromising our ability to win the war on terror."

"In the wake of the Imus controversy, it is important that all media figures keep in mind both the responsibility they hold and the crucial role they play in shaping the public discourse on the airwaves. They should take this opportunity to elevate the tone, quality, and accuracy of the public debate.

"In addition, we hope that MSNBC will include a broader, more diverse range of voices for consideration in its search to find a permanent replacement for Imus in the Morning.

"We, at Media Matters for America, will continue our mission to highlight and critique bigoted commentary, in addition to other forms of conservative misinformation in the media, and bring them to the public's attention."

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