Conservative Radio Sees Boom Ahead

Limbaugh, Hannity & Co. ready to play foil to Obama White House

By Gabriel Winant, Newser User

Posted Dec 22, 2008 9:45 AM CST

(Newser) – Where Bill Clinton’s presidency triggered Rush Limbaugh’s ascent, many see a new boom coming for conservative talk radio under President Obama, the New York Times reports. Limbaugh is touting the “rebirth of principled opposition,” and Sean Hannity claims to lead “conservatism in exile.” Says one radio executive, “the conservative hosts will have more fun. There’s no doubt about that.”

The year after an election is usually bad for talk radio, but this may be an exception. Still, broadcasters are lining up boldface names to stave off a gradual decline in interest. Limbaugh, Hannity, Glenn Beck, Michael Savage, and Laura Ingraham have all recently signed new contracts; former Republican presidential candidates Rudy Giuliani, Mike Huckabee, and Fred Thompson are dabbling as well.

[Images (3)]

[Quotes (2)]

Conservative talk show host Sean Hannity averages 1.65 million listeners, second only in the format to Rush Limbaugh's 3.58. (AP Photo)

"The last time a young Democrat took over the White House with gauzy visions of change, it produced a "Golden Age" for right-wing talk," says one analyst, referencing Rush Limbaugh's ascendancy. (AP Photo)

Rudy Giuliani is in talks to take over the radio slot being vacated by Fox News mainstay Bill O'Reilly. (AP Photo)

« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow

You’re going to have to be entertaining like Limbaugh, but also allow people of all political stripes on the show. - Joe Scarborough

There’s more to talk about than there has been in a hundred years. There is something almost historical in nature in the news every single day. - Charles Rahilly, president of Premiere Radio

« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow

To report an error on this story, notify our editors.

More Newser Stories

Right Rallies to McCain's Defense Against NYT

But Limbaugh, others say that's what you get for wooing Dems, press

(NEWSER) - Conservative media figures who previously shunned John McCain stood up for him today—but also said he had it coming to him for wooing the mainstream press, ABC reports. Sean Hannity called the New York Times story on McCain's relationship with a lobbyist “beyond disgraceful." Rush Limbaugh, lumping the media in with the left, said, “The lesson is liberals are to be defeated. You cannot reach across the aisle.” More»

GOP's 10 Favorite Pundits

Rush Limbaugh and Glenn Beck lead survey

(NEWSER) - The website ConservativeHome polled about 1,500 folks defined as Republican activists to find their favorite pundits. Here's the top 10:

Rush Limbaugh, 41%
Glenn Beck, 33%
Charles Krauthammer, 29%
Bill O'Reilly, 24%
Sean Hannity, 21%

Beck and Co.: Just Little Men With Big Voices

(NEWSER) - Once again the right-wing radio guys have managed to convince everyone that they are a great and powerful force to be reckoned with. David Brooks revisits the 2007 Republican primaries, when Rush, Hannity, Beck and company were all weak-kneed over Fred Thompson and Mitt Romney, but bashed “unreliable deviationists” John McCain and Mike Huckabee. What happened? Huckabee emerged as a star and McCain won. More»

NYC Radio Station Dumps Glenn Beck

Beck, meanwhile, Beck unplugs 'hotline to White House'

(NEWSER) - Glenn Beck's radio show is currently without a home in New York after having been dropped by WOR, one of the city's biggest talk radio stations. "The reason is ratings," WOR's program director tells the New York Daily News. "Somewhat to our surprise, the show wasn't getting what we wanted." The station plans to replace him with another conservative, Mike Gallagher, a New Yorker whom they hope will have more to say about local issues. More»

Elton John Sings at Limbaugh's 4th Wedding

Talking head, 59, takes 33-year-old bride

(NEWSER) - Rush Limbaugh was married last night in Palm Beach—to his fourth wife—and gay marriage advocate Elton John pulled down a cool $1 million for performing at the reception. The conservative talking head, 59, and 33-year-old Kathryn Rogers wed at The Breakers with 400 of their nearest and dearest in attendance, reports the Palm Beach Post . Among the guests were Karl Rove, Rudy Giuliani, and Sean Hannity. More»

NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS

What is Newser?

Face it: there's too much news. At Newser, we choose the most thought-provoking and entertaining stories from hundreds of US and international sources and reduce them to a headline, picture, and two paragraphs. And we do it 24/7—you can come back morning, noon, night (and in between) for something new that matters. Read less, know more.

Learn more »

Partnering with: Slate

View Newser on the mobile website

Conservative Radio Sees Boom Ahead