Controversial U.S. shock jock Don Imus will return to the airwaves Dec. 3 in New York.

Citadel Broadcasting Corp., owner of WABC-AM, made the announcement Thursday, confirming weeks of rumours that Imus would soon be broadcasting again.

Don Imus, shown April 9 on Rev. Al Sharpton's radio show, returns to the air in December.
(Associated Press)

Just nine months ago, Imus was the centre of a storm of controversy after he called Rutgers University's women's basketball team "nappy-headed hos."

He was denounced by black leaders such as Rev. Al Sharpton as racist and sexist.

Imus, 67, gave a very public apology and was fired in April.

He got an undisclosed settlement from his employer for early termination of his contract.

In the meantime, the national discussion he sparked about racist and offensive language on the airwaves has died down.

In December, he will return to the same market he left with his longtime newsman, Charles McCord, and other members of his morning team, Citadel said.

It did not say if Bernard McGuirk, the producer who was fired with Imus, had been hired.

"We are ecstatic to bring Don Imus back to morning radio," said station president and general manager Steve Borneman.

He hailed Imus for his "unique brand of humour, knowledge of the issues and ability to attract big-name guests."

With files from the Associated Press