Fox Business Needs a Lift. Could It Be Don Imus?

[Are_grits_groceries]

The News Corporation needs television viewers to find the Fox Business Network, and it thinks the cowboy-hat-wearing radio host Don Imus could help.

The network is in advanced negotiations to simulcast “Imus in the Morning,” the syndicated talk show, people close to the talks say.

If a deal is reached, it would enable Mr. Imus to end his contract with RFD-TV, a little-known rural TV channel that currently televises his daily mix of political talk, interviews and wisecracks. But perhaps more important, the deal would bring a big (albeit bruised) name to Fox Business, which has struggled to gain a robust audience since it started nearly two years ago.

A Fox spokeswoman declined to comment about the negotiations, saying only that “we talk to engaging and interesting talent all the time.”

In turning to Mr. Imus to bolster Fox Business, the News Corporation is taking a page from the playbook of its sibling channel Fox News, which now drives the company’s financial growth. Fox, founded 13 years ago, successfully translated talk radio values to TV, sometimes by directly hiring radio talkers like Sean Hannity. Already, Fox Business counts two radio veterans, Dave Ramsey and Tom Sullivan, as hosts.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/17/business/media/17imus.html?adxnnl=1&ref=media&adxnnlx=1250510748-kS+JRmYjjWeS1jl2PEfvDQ

Oh happy day...........

[jayfish]

1. Yup, Because When I Think Of Business...

I think of Don Imus. :eyes:

Jay

[rurallib]

2. FUX business? If they need a big name how about Bernie Madoff?

he's got some time and has oodles of experience in business that would be similar to Murdoch's in the political sphere.

[TheCowsCameHome]

3. Yeah, a business version of Antiques Road Show. Swell idea.