EXCLUSIVE: CBS DJ FORCED TO cancel CNN appearance on Imus

By Robert "Rob" Redding Jr.

Publisher

ATLANTA, April 11, 2007, 7:00 p.m. - A popular Atlanta radio host today had to canceled his appearance on CNN because he could not obtain approval from higher-ups at CBS Radio's headquarters, said a local radio station spokeswoman.

Frank Ski, host of the "Frank & Wanda" morning show on CBS Radio's WVEE-FM, was scheduled by his producer to discuss talk-show host Don Imus' controversial comments on a heavily promoted "CNN Newsroom" segment that never happened. (See transcript).

"There was a shortage of time," said the spokeswoman for the radio station. "We could not keep with their time constraints."

Imus, who is embroiled in a national controversy after calling the Rutgers women's basketball team "some nappy-headed hoes" during an April 4 radio show, is also employed by CBS Radio. The company is being pressured by advertisers, leaders and at least one of its directors to cut ties with him.

What's more, MSNBC announced late today that it will no longer simulcast Imus' morning show.

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Ski, who was at CNN's studios but was not allowed to go on the air, could not be reached for comment.

A CNN spokeswoman would only say that he "was unable to make his appearance this morning."

An appearance on CNN would need corporate and not local approval, said the spokeswoman for the radio station.

Meanwhile, Ski was allowed to speak out against Imus locally on WGCL-TV, a local CBS affiliate, earlier this week. He has also  engaged his listeners on the issue.

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