Rush Never Had the Ratings He Claimed

[dynasaw]

"How many listeners does Rush Limbaugh have? Well, in the press there are only two numbers you'll ever see -- 20 million or 15 million. Those are large numbers, so that is why Limbaugh is taken seriously and is believed to be influential.

I've got news for you -- those numbers are a total fabrication. . .Rush's team simply made up the 20 million number and everyone believed it. He has never, ever presented any evidence to that effect. . . There is no way he can prove even 15 million listeners weekly. I'd be shocked if he can show that kind of monthly number. And is it unique listeners or are they counting the same guys who tune in every day?

Rush's audience is a myth."

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/cenk-uygur/rush-limbaugh-ratings_b_1320144.html

So now his advertisers probably should sue him and clear channel. Advertisers buy time based on audiences so these suckers have been simply throwing money at a non-existent public. Ha! Ha!

BYTW I love Cenk

[KharmaTrain]

1. There Are No National Radio Ratings...

Cenk is spot on. The numbers used have been made up for years base on estimates of estimates...the possible number of listeners stations have based on a very inacurate system. Those numbers are now in even greater question as Arbiton...the major radio ratings service, has moved to a new system that reads what listeners actually listen to and how long they listen. Talk radio has taken a big hit from this new system...especially rushbo.

Rushbo's game has never been about competiting and ratings. That's why he's on during middays...one of the lower listened and rated dayparts. His program was designed to fill time during those hours with cheap programming (cheaper than hiring a local talent). Advertisers on his show pay in bulk...not only for this swillfest but other shows and formats and at very low rates.

The proof in the pudding is to look at the market by market daypart ratings...rushbo rarely is top rated and doesn't usally make it in the top 10. The fact he's on so many stations is where the power lies...as is the fact he is one of the few people left that reach a radio audience that has shrunk drastically in the age of corporate control.