Some may rejoice at the news that both Rush Limbaugh and Shaun Hannity are being axed by the radio network that carries their show, but they probably should not be so happy, not just yet.
As much as their time and novelty has long expired, there are many in the Republican camp who still adamantly believe in the vitriol both speakers espouse. But what is more dangerous, and what might not be as visible, is that their departure does not signify an enlightment of sorts, is just heralds a new era, one in which the more radical element of the Republican party, the Tea Party will not be so overt in their actions. An example of this is the fact that they are promoting legislation that will de-fund Obamacare, since their legal challenges have all but petered out, in a quiet but stealthy way. This is the new way...quietly, without the bombastic, but still efficient and swift.
What does the action of the radio network really mean? To those who have been watching, it seemed as if Limbaugh's and Hannity's increasingly nasty tone had offended even the stalwart supporters. But that is not really so. The 'base' as Limbaugh calls it, will never waver. That is because his nasty renderings and utterances have always meant to be most appealing to the ignorant, uninformed and gullible audience.
Although the radio network claims that the reason is economic, citing loss of revenue, the truth is that they want to replace them with actual politicians or other known speakers. One of the candidates is Mike Huckabee, himself a pretty conservative Republican. The other is Michael Savage, who is not a politician, but has been on the air for a while.
In truth, many advertisers had been lost, chiefly due to complaints by women, who have been hard hit by Limbaugh's senseless and deeply offensive critique. The point is the that Republicans know they are losing the women's vote, and they are scrambling to fix the problem. How that can be done with the likes of Huckabee and Savage, is slightly in doubt. But trying they are.
Limbaugh for his part has already shot across the bow. He said in a recent statement, that Fox News was losing advertising money because "The media buyers at advertising agencies are young women, fresh out of college, liberal feminists who hate conservatism."
However, both radio stars, Limbaugh and Hannity, will surely be welcome at other radio networks, especially if they find a home in satellite radio. Glenn Beck did just that, as did radio shock jock, Howard Stern.
source : The Raw Story / 7.29.13
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