 |
|
|
Rush Limbaugh and Clear Channel’s Premiere Radio Networks
have agreed on an extension of the radio host’s contract that will see Limbaugh
receive more than $400 million over the next 8 years.
Rush Limbaugh talked exclusively with the New York Times,
revealing the spectacular eight-year contract extension that he and Clear
Channel have signed, which includes a $100 million signing bonus.
Limbaugh’s daily three-hour show, “The Rush Limbaugh Show,”
broadcast from Florida,
reaches approximately 600 radio stations across the country. Around 20 million
people listen.
The conservative political commentator celebrates 20 years
of syndication next month, on August 8. The new deal is additional reason for
Limbaugh to celebrate his thriving career.
His present contract, worth $285 million over a nine-year
period, was set to expire next year, the Times reported. The renegotiation represents
a raise of about $14.4 million a year through 2016.
Limbaugh said in a statement that he is very pleased with
what he is doing, commenting that this “is exactly where I want to be, doing
what I was born to do, with an amazing audience and phenomenal support from
affiliate stations and sponsors.”
“I’m having more fun than a human being should be allowed to
have,” he added humorously.
The company announced the contract renewal on Wednesday,
with Limbaugh providing details about the contract in an interview with the New
York Times Magazine for an article that will appear Sunday.
The deal could well be the most expensive in radio since veteran
shock jock Howard Stern moved to Sirius Satellite Radio for a reported $500
million in 2004, notes the Times.
Limbaugh, 57, is well aware of how popular and influential
he is. “I’m not retiring until every American agrees with me,” he said on his
radio program Wednesday.
“The Rush Limbaugh Show” has become the highest-rated
talk-radio show in the United
States.
© 2007 - 2008 - eFluxMedia