A U.S. cable television network (MSNBC) will no longer broadcast a popular radio talk show after the program's host made racially-charged comments about members of a predominantly black women's college basketball team.
NBC Universal, which owns the cable service, said in a statement Wednesday its decision to drop the morning show of host Don Imus is the result of "an ongoing review." The announcement follows a public outcry over the racially-charged remarks.
Imus made the comments last week about members of the Rutgers University women's basketball team, which is predominately black. He has repeatedly apologized for the comments since, but has been suspended from broadcasting for two weeks starting next Monday.
Critics and prominent U.S. civil rights leaders have called for Imus to be fired, citing a history of racially insensitive remarks.
U.S. Senator and presidential candidate Barack Obama told ABC News Wednesday Imus should be fired for his remarks. Obama said Imus fed into what the senator called "the worst stereotypes" of young African-American women.
Meanwhile, U.S.-based car maker General Motors and office supplies retailer Staples joined several major companies that have pulled their advertisements from the show over the comments.
Other sponsors, including household consumer products company Procter and Gamble, and Bigelow Tea, also announced they will suspend their advertisements in light of the remarks.
On Tuesday, team captain Essence Carson said the players have agreed to meet with Imus privately.
