Time Magazine Finally Realizes Rush Limbaugh Is in Trouble

Alternet explains that the fight against the right-wing vitriol spewer hits the mainstream.

The influence of social media on traditional media outlets such as Time Magazine is becoming increasingly clear. Last week, a Daily Kos diary on Wall Street Journal radio statistics revealed that social media campaigns, such as StopRush, BoycottRush, and FlushRush, have been successful in diminishing the presence of hate radio, namely Rush Limbaugh, in terms of sponsors, radio stations, and market standings. 

Time Magazine writer, Brian Rosenwald, recently discussed the impact of the internet on talk radio and how it has changed the way politics and public policy are discussed. Whereas in the past, Limbaugh could make offensive comments with impunity, today every word is broadcast and archived, and watchdog groups such as Media Matters are ready to call out any potentially offensive statements. Social media has made it easier for people to pressure advertisers to remove their ads from Limbaugh’s program, as was seen in 2012 after Limbaugh insulted Georgetown student Sandra Fluke.

The power of social media has enabled campaigns against controversial radio hosts, like Rush Limbaugh, to reach far beyond the traditional audience of their shows. This has been evident in the three-year long campaign against Limbaugh, which has been covered by websites such as Daily Kos, Media Matters, Liberals Unite, Addicting Info, Politico, Reverb Press and PoliticusUSA. According to Jeffery Rosenwald, this campaign has been able to pressure advertisers without even needing to target the show’s traditional listeners. 

The internet and social media age has posed a challenge to the traditional advertiser-based business model of talk radio, as the provocative content that often produces the best radio does not fit well with advertisers. This could eventually lead to hosts like Limbaugh shifting to an internet-based subscription platform, where they would not have to worry about losing advertisers when they generate controversy.

Protests against Rush Limbaugh have been gaining traction in recent weeks, as many feel his rhetoric promotes hatred and bigotry. This type of speech can lead to bullying, abuse, and even violence. As a result, the public has had enough and are calling for his show to be taken off public radio. 

The power of the people has been amplified in the internet and social media age, allowing citizens to voice their grievances with a few clicks on Facebook and Twitter. Companies are now more likely to address consumer complaints, as one bad customer experience can quickly go viral. This has posed a challenge to the traditional advertiser-based business model of talk radio, as provocative content does not fit well with advertisers. It is possible that hosts like Limbaugh could eventually shift to an internet-based subscription platform, where they would not have to worry about losing advertisers when they generate controversy. 

The protests and boycotts demonstrate that citizens are becoming more proactive in fighting extremism. This is a positive change that shows the strength of the free market in America, and how it can be used to the advantage of the consumers.

The recent protest against hate radio has been a resounding success, and now more people than ever are looking for ways to join the movement. Here are some simple steps that anyone can take to get involved:

Sign: Boycott Limbaugh Sponsor Petition

Visit/Like: BoycottRush Facebook Page

Join: The Fight To Flush Rush

Visit: StopRush.net for an extensive list of Limbaugh Sponsors

Tweet #StopRush and #FlushRush

For more on Rosenwald’s story, visit Time Magazine.

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