It's no secret that Talk Radio host extraordinaire Rush Limbaugh has revolutionized the alternative media. With his new contract, it appears that Rush is once again on the cutting edge of societal evolution, and has once again laid down the gauntlet that he is light years ahead of his competition. What's so amazing is that in an era when traditional media is having all kinds of problems, whether it's declining newspaper sales, or declining ratings for the nightly news, the man who sits behind the golden EIB microphone is forging ahead as if nothing is happening.
According to a press release, Limbaugh has signed a long-term contract extension:
Advertiser and affiliate demand is at an all-time high for Mr. Limbaugh. President of Premiere Radio Networks Charlie Rahilly stated, "The Rush Limbaugh Show enjoys an unprecedented platform of radio affiliates. Plus, advertisers harness the intensity of listener engagement -- no one's 'word of mouth' about a product or service delivers more impact than Mr. Limbaugh does. The Premiere team is proud to partner with Mr. Limbaugh deep into the next decade."
The Drudge Report is reporting that the contract will pay him in excess of a whopping $400 million!
Earnings now pace him ahead of the annual salaries for network news anchors: Katie Couric, Brian Williams, Charlie Gibson and Diane Sawyer - combined!
How this will effect the stock of Clear Channel (NYSE: CCU) who, along with Premier radio syndicate Limbaugh's show, is anyone's guess. My hunch, though, is that it will do just fine. Clearly, for Clear Channel Rush is a money making machine. His popularity continues to surge, so it seems that while they are spending a whole lot of money, they will more than make it up in revenue that the show produces.
Love him or hate him, and I am in the love him camp, there is no disputing the impact that Rush has ands continues to have on both politics and the media.
Aaron Katsman is the lead Portfolio Manager and Managing Director of America Israel Investment Associates, LLC. and Senior Editor of IsraelNewsletter.com. DISCLOSURE: Writer's fund has no position in any stock mentioned, as of 7/2/08.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
7-02-2008 @ 10:28PM
bruce said...
Rush is amazing I thought by now he would feel Bad and quit but $400.000.000.00 Wow I guess enough Wacko's are out there that this should not be a suprise .and when I work after midnight I must admit the Rush crowd and thier UFO stories keep me thankful that I never ever became a Drug addict
7-02-2008 @ 10:58PM
Geary said...
Hmmmmm ... does our commentor know the difference between Art Bell/George Noury and Rush Limbaugh?
7-02-2008 @ 11:36PM
Philip Block said...
One thing to note about Rush-he is still here bigger and better-while all the liberal commontators are gone-I wonder why? Also, if it were not for Hennity, his liberal side kick would be back on the stage doing stand up comedy (liberal jokes to fellow liberals-who else would listen?)). And finally, if you don't like Rush, read the instruction book that came with your radio and use the on/off switch.
7-02-2008 @ 11:57PM
dottie smith said...
I like Rush Lindbaugh but it this day and age, our economy being what it is, I find it somewhat sickening for him to get this huge contract. Will he do anything to help the economy or just himself? If he does something constructive for America, great.
7-03-2008 @ 12:16AM
steve said...
If you watch Rush on his live camera, he looks just like the Wizard of God, hiding behind a black curtain trying to pull strings to keep his followers (like the ones without any brains or any hearts) in line.
7-03-2008 @ 7:27AM
al coholic said...
Steve,
You are absolutely right! No intelligent human being should allow Rush's incredibly biased, over simplistic hyperbole to replace serious discusions of important issues. In his pea brain there are only two sides ...the "right" conservative way or the liberal "unAmerican" way.
Rush Limbaugh is the James Carvelle of conservatives.
7-03-2008 @ 2:43PM
GRESCO said...
please list all of the oxy boy's advertisers so i will know what never to buy for the rest of my life. this criminal skated on his illegal drug activities while hundreds of thousands without his connections crowd our federal prisons. lard butt helped ruin my father's mind with his messages of hate. i hope there is a special place in hell for limpball and his fascist ilk.
lefty
7-03-2008 @ 8:57PM
Ted Ziemba said...
Rush is overpaid. He is no longer Rush of the past. He gets on a subject and it goes on and on like a broken record. He over dwells on a subject. I dont know how some can listen to him as he continues to repeat himself. He is becoming a loser.
7-04-2008 @ 11:43AM
Silvia said...
I can't believe we live in a country that allows a no talent slob like this to steal that kind of obscene money, while the talented hard working folks at Air America can't even make an honest wage. What is wrong with this country? Help us Obama, we need the Fairness Doctrine now more than ever!
9-01-2008 @ 12:32PM
Susan VoShelle said...
Why is the news media withholding information about the civil suit that was filed by Philip J Berg, attorney, against Obama, stating he is constitutionally ineligible for the presidency. Aug.21,2008 injunction filed in Eastern District Court in Philadelphia, PA. Berg vs Obama, civil action No. 08-cv-4083. Who is covering it up?