Rush Still Talking In RI

Rush Still Talking In RI

El Rushbo.

With talent on loan from God – so he says.

This puffed up, ego maniac once again finds himself splashed across the headlines. This time for offending a law student. You’ve proabably heard it by now. Rush Limbaugh in essence saying that a woman who wanted her birth control given to her – was basically saying she wanted to be paid to have sex.

At last count, as of this writing, about 21 advertisers "rushed" for the door and pulled money out nation wide.

Despite the up-roar and at least two radio stations that have actually dumped his nationally syndicated show, Rushbo can still be heard here locally on 920-WHJJ AM. Combine contractual obligations and what would need to be a Tsunami of local revenue going out at the door at WHJJ, Rush is here to stay.

So Much Media Exposure

It goes without saying that the media exposure this has achieved is pretty astonishing given all that is happening in the country and the world today.

Rhode Island College Communications Professor, Anthony Galvez, was asked if the amount of coverage and consideration given to the Limbaugh comments was surprising? “I don’t find the media exposure as a surprise. By directly attacking Sandra Fluke, he put a face on his ideological diatribe. He humanized the issue to the extent that it was no longer a discussion of opposing viewpoints but a personal attack on a private citizen.”

Limbaugh has apologized – a couple of times – saying he chose his words wrong –blah blah. The heat from national advertisers brings him to the mic to try and do some spin. GoLocal asked WHJJ if there has been any listener complaints and or if any local advertisers have pulled money out of the radio station. Program Director Bill George asked that we contact Premiere Networks which syndicates Limbaugh’s show for any comment.

The powers at be would not answer our questions directly but did send a statement.

A Broad Range Of Opinion

Rachel Nelson, who is part of the Public Relations team at Premiere Networks said that the network is committed to providing people with a “broad range” of opinion and commentary. “In an attempt at absurdist humor to illustrate his political point, Mr. Limbaugh used words that unfortunately distracted from the message he was trying to convey.” Her statement goes on to say that Limbaugh did the “right thing” by saying he was sorry.

We asked Professor Galvez if Limbaugh were to say the same comments 10-years ago or more—would there be this much attention on it? “I think that this particular attack would have gained significant media coverage regardless of timing. It certainly does not help that it occurred at a time when the Republican party appears to be in the midst of an identity crisis.”

Galvez also says he does not believe this latest Rush rambling will affect ratings over at WHJJ. He is correct.

For those who love Rush – this is more fuel to follow his every word like ducks in a row.

For those who hate Rush – more ammo to dump on him and a reason to listen more now perhaps.