Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

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.

Conservative talk show host Sean Hannity averages 1.65 million listeners, second only in the format to Rush Limbaugh's 3.58.
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.
"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.
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.
COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 10 comments
Newser001
Dec 23, 2008 6:38 AM CST
Hey Rush, it's time for another 8-Ball, and some of you favorite - hillbilly heroin.
jaguarj
Dec 23, 2008 6:14 AM CST
Probably because they like to listen to f-----g garbage. Amen!
Guest
Dec 22, 2008 11:45 PM CST
this article doesnt make sense. There's been a shift of voters leftward so why would that signal an ascendance of rightwing radio.
 

NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Timelines   |   POPSUGAR Tech   |   Business Insider   |   HuffPost Entertainment   |   NewsOne