Producer of Imus radio show fired

The producer of Don Imus's syndicated U.S. radio show has lost his job for his role in comments that sparked a widespread debate over what kind of language is acceptable on air.

On Friday, WFAN-AM in New York fired Bernard McGuirk, who had been producer of the Imus in the Morning show since 1987.

McGuirk was co-hosting with Imus whencontroversial comments were made about a women's collegebasketball team on an April 4 broadcast of the show.

Imus described the team from Rutgers University, which includes eight black women, as tattooed "rough girls."

"Some hardcore hos," McGuirk said in reply.

"That's some nappy headed hos there, I'm going to tell you that," Imus then added.

The exchange provoked protests to CBS, owner of the station, about racist and misogynistic language and lyrics.

Imus was fired last week over the controversy.

McGuirk was often a foil to Imus on air and did a regular shtick that included impressions of the late Cardinal John O'Connor and New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin.

McGuirk, who booked most of the guests for the show, was frequently referred to by Imus on-air as a "bald-headed stooge."

He has not commented on the controversy.

CBS Radio has yet to decide on a permanent replacement for Imusat the New York station.