Once-embattled Imus re-ups with Cumulus

Five years ago, after Don Imus had been fired by CBS Radio for describing the Rutgers women’s basketball team as “nappy-headed hos,” it seemed unlikely that his radio career would be revived.

But his transgression proved forgivable, and his radio career was subsequently resurrected, proving that if you lay low until the next controversy comes along to steal away people’s attention, almost anything can be forgiven.

Now Imus’ career is being extended.

This week he signed a three-year extension with Cumulus Media to continue his syndicated show, “Imus in the Morning,” which will take the host to the age of 75.

At the time Imus’ racist and sexist comments provoked a lot of ire. But his second act began quickly after his firing. He joined Cumulus at the end of 2007 and has largely stayed out of the spotlight since.

He will continue to be simulcast on Fox Business Network as well.

Terms of the deal were not released. Imus’ home broadcaster will remain WABC-AM.

The radio trade publication talkers puts Imus’ weekly audience at an average 2.25 million listeners on 74 stations, and although he’s not one of the highest-rated radio hosts, he draws a desirable, educated audience that allows stations to charge a lot for ads on his program.

Tags: ads, audience, cumulus media, Don Imus, fox business network, imus, imus contract, imus contract extension, imus radio, people, radio, radio imus, this week