Rush signs for $400 million
What does it say about our culture that Rush Limbaugh is worth $400 million to us? LIMBAUGH SIGNS THROUGH 2016; $400 MILLION DEAL SHATTERS BROADCAST RECORDS
Wednesday, 07/02/08
Comments
Tyler wrote:
Limbaugh's mix of conservativism, outrage, and satire certainly strike a chord with many folks. I imagine a good portion of his listeners don't take his views as the gospel he would like them to, but find him entertaining and saying things about others across the aisle they find snickeringly amusing.
I'm more concerned with people who see him as a legitimate reporter of facts, and I assume just as many of his listeners think of him as an authority on political matters standing against the tide of liberal ideas in the media. He admitted to NPR (see here) that he's not a reporter.
I used to like his shtick, but I can't stand it now as I've moved away from him both politically and in matters of discourse.
What do you think his huge contract says about our culture?
I'm more concerned with people who see him as a legitimate reporter of facts, and I assume just as many of his listeners think of him as an authority on political matters standing against the tide of liberal ideas in the media. He admitted to NPR (see here) that he's not a reporter.
He says he is not a journalist but a combatant in what he calls "the arena of ideas."
"There's no question I am trying to persuade people to agree with me, for the express purpose of making them informed, so that when the next opportunity to vote comes up, they do, and they vote in an informed way," Limbaugh says.
I used to like his shtick, but I can't stand it now as I've moved away from him both politically and in matters of discourse.
What do you think his huge contract says about our culture?
Bill wrote:
I understand people find it entertaining. I understand that people would feel bouyed by a cheerleader who champions their position.
What I find distasteful about it is that is says $400 million worth of American consumerism endorses someone who belittles his opponents and speaks of them and their ideas with contempt.
Micah said that some things are worthy of contempt. I do not dispute this. Contempt, however, is useless for public discourse. Contempt only returns contempt. It is antithetical to the dialog our democracy depends upon.
What I find distasteful about it is that is says $400 million worth of American consumerism endorses someone who belittles his opponents and speaks of them and their ideas with contempt.
Micah said that some things are worthy of contempt. I do not dispute this. Contempt, however, is useless for public discourse. Contempt only returns contempt. It is antithetical to the dialog our democracy depends upon.
Tyler wrote:
I would agree with your assessment of Limbaugh's tack. I don't think he's done much to help public discourse. It concerns me that he rarely if ever takes an appreciative stance towards those to the left of him (which isn't hard to be). Like Coulter, he does not acknowledge that some good ideas have come from positions other than his, nor does he even acknowledge that positions other than his are trying to do what is best for the country from their perspective. Limbaugh doesn't say people are well-meaning but wrong; he says they're stupid, morally corrupt, America-haters. Every pressing issue becomes a matter of wins and losses and he fights dirty.
But, controversy breeds attention. He and his company have proven to be masters of niche marketing. Limbaugh says he won't retire until everyone agrees with him, which is just another of his hyperbolic statements. If he's serious, he's not doing such a great job at being winsome.
But, controversy breeds attention. He and his company have proven to be masters of niche marketing. Limbaugh says he won't retire until everyone agrees with him, which is just another of his hyperbolic statements. If he's serious, he's not doing such a great job at being winsome.
