Reality has never been Rush Limbaugh’s strong suit but his capacity for denial seems stronger than ever.
But one thing the man does know about is food, so we might have to accept his version of the effect of the advertiser exodus from his show.
…Limbaugh told his audience that the reports of advertiser defections had been greatly exaggerated by his opponents, and that the companies that pulled ads accounted for a small minority of the overall ad inventory on the 600 affiliates that carry his show.
“That’s like losing a couple of French fries in the container when it’s delivered to you at the drive-through,” Limbaugh said. “You don’t even notice it.”
I bet Rush does notice missing French fries but that’s neither here nor there. The fact is, at least 45 advertisers have (forever) pulled or (weaselly) suspended their ads from his show. As this goes to press, there is a big, blank hole on his web site where an ad used to be.
Even groups with PSAs, or public service announcements, which are typically thrown in for free by the station to keep its “public interest” licensing status with the Federal Communications Commission, are asking that the spots not run in association with Rush.
A spokesperson for Goodwill Industries said in an email to POLITICO: “A PSA about Goodwill was aired on a DC-area station that airs the Rush Limbaugh Show and was done without our permission, knowledge or consent. We asked them to remove it because this was done without our prior approval.”
The recovering drug addict even seems to have tainted the Rush brand.
…the Canadian rock group Rush has also asked Limbaugh’s show to stop using its music on the air, according to media producer Bob Cesca. “The use of Rush’s music in this manner implies an endorsement of the views expressed and products advertised on the show,” an attorney for the band said in a letter to the radio show, as Cesca reported. “Accordingly, we hereby demand that you immediately stop all use of Rush’s music and confirm that you will do so.”
