Adopt A Soldier for Rush 24/7

Originally published by "Dave" on 2005-11-11 16:37:00Z

I was listening to a little of the Rush Limbaugh Show on my way to lunch yesterday, and caught Rush talking about a new program he is starting; Adopt A Soldier.

Earlier this week there was some noise made on the Senate floor about soldiers wanting Armed Forces Radio to carry more than the one hour of Rush’s show. Senator Harkin (D-IA) complained that Rush and other conservative talk radio was dominating the airwaves already, and that AFR needed more “progressive” programming, all in the name of balance.

But later on, Senator Inhofe (R-OK) brought up the fact that it is audience demand that drives the programming on AFR, and the largest request from servicemen is for more of Rush’s show.

One of Rush’s caller’s picked up on that and suggested that people ought to adopt a soldier and pay for a Rush 24/7 subscription so that the adoptees aren’t dependent on Armed Forces Radio for their Rush fix. The 24/7 subscription gives the member access to all kinds of content through Rush’s website; mp3 podcasts of the daily shows, the DittoCam, an exclusive e-mail address to contact Rush, etc…

The 24/7 deal really frees up the member from having to listen at a specific time, and the soldiers that are clamoring for more of the show will get it for free (after a thorough screening process to weed out the leeches.) I can only guess that 24/7 is a huge money maker for Rush. And this deal sells even more for him.

Love him or hate him, Rush is very entertaining, and a dang savvy businessman.

Comment by "Matt C" on 2005-11-11 17:53:00Z

I don't agree with him, but I don't hate him (actual hate should be reserved for the few people truly worthy of it, i.e. Voldemort, the folks behind Sony's rootkit, and George Steinbrenner, not smeared over those who happen to have a different viewpoint.) But you're right -- he is a "dang savvy businessman." Not a very good drug addict, but a dang savvy businessman ;)

Comment by "Dave" on 2005-11-11 18:52:00Z

What makes a good drug addict, if there is such a thing?

Comment by "Ted Smith" on 2005-11-11 08:50:00Z

It's his apparent immunity from prosecution that really sets him apart.

Comment by "Ted Smith" on 2005-11-11 08:53:00Z

It's his apparent immunity from prosecution that really sets him apart.

Comment by "Brian" on 2005-11-11 09:12:00Z

Immunity? I think the ACLU, who is helping Rush fight the privacy battle surround the prosecution would disagree. It is a money maker for Rush. I renewed my subscription to 24/7 last month after a 2 year absence. Not for any reason really, I just like to watch the Ditto cam and listen to him when I want to and without commercials. I'd may subscribe to Coast to Coast AM too just so I can filter out the bad interviews. Anyway, I read the article and Rush is not stupid. If he wanted he could give anyone with a .mil email address, verified of course, a free subscription. But that would kill a good portion of his 24/7 subscriptions from the current subscribers and for sure a good bit of the people who will now or in the future give 24/7 as a gift. Either way the troops apparently love to hear Rush everyday and even if he is making a fortune on this deal. Giving someone in the military this gift will be appreciated everyday. So give if you can or torrent if you must ;-)

Comment by "Alexander Grundner" on 2005-11-11 09:43:00Z

I prefer nationally syndicated Michael Savage over Rush any day of the week. He dominates the West Coast and his independent views are putting the pressure on the lock-step Republicans to wise up. BORDERS, LANGUAGE, CULTURE.

Comment by "g" on 2005-11-11 11:50:00Z

Ummmmm "But later on, Senator Inhofe (R-OK) brought up the fact that it is audience demand that drives the programming on AFR, and the largest request from servicemen is for more of Rush's show." Did you say Inhofe (R), thats Inhofe (R), right? So what you are saying is a Republican is saying that more people listen to Rush? I really don't know if it is best to quote Inhofe for this. We wrote about this here: [http://www.illmethinks.com/illmethinks](http://www.illmethinks.com/illmethinks)*politiq/2005/10/pentegon*killed.html There are always two sides to the story. As far as Rush being savvy. I cannot dispute it. I read the site almost daily..thanks [http://www.illmethinks.com](http://www.illmethinks.com) g

Comment by "Dave" on 2005-11-11 17:29:00Z

Am I missing something? Why would I not quote Inhofe? He was quoted because he's the one who stood on the Senate floor and put Harkin in his place (you can read it [here.](http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/getpage.cgi?dbname=2005_record&page=S12468&position=all)) If Harkin has his way it will be him and his cronies that decide the programming schedule of AFR, rather than the way things are now. As it is, there are 33 worldwide AFR stations, and each one schedules its programming according to the requests of the soldiers in the listening area. There just isn't the demand for the "progressive" programming that Harkin would like to see broadcast to the troops. It works the same way in the civilian world; it's called ratings. Guys like Harkin don't like it that there are no progressive talk radio shows on AFR (or on the commercial airwaves), and want to mandate equal time for liberal shows like Air America, which is failing fast. But the reality of the whole matter was pointed out very well by Senator Inhofe; the large amounts of NPR that are broadcast should more than cover any need for balance. If anything, more Rush is needed to counter "All Things Considered."

Comment by "g" on 2005-11-12 13:59:00Z

Dave You are obviously entitled to you opinion (It is your site :)) But as far as stating "There just isn't the demand for the "progressive" programming". Of course there is no demand for something they are not 'allowed' to hear. I think you may be a little off base as well on progressive show failing. I really think that is exactly opisite. With all of the indictments (Delay, Libby, maybe Frist, etc.) Americans are looking for something else. Dave, they have been lied too. We are Americans; we by default always look to the other side of the story. By not allowing other perspectives we commit a great disservice to our troops and our people. And as far as All Things Considered; NPR is in no way as Liberal as Rush is Conservative. I respectfully disagree. Keep up the great site. [http://www.illmethinks.com](http://www.illmethinks.com) g

Comment by "Dave" on 2005-11-12 16:41:00Z

This is straying a bit off the original topic -- Gadgetopia is about things technical, not things political -- so I'll not go toe to toe with you on the subject of the recent indictments (baseless though they may be.) But as to the question of programming, AFR broadcasts those programs that show sufficient listenership on commercial stations in the 50 States. It's essentially a reflection of what the free market has chosen. That choice is based both on political preference and the quality of the programming. In the case of progressive talk radio, the few shows that are out there can't hold a candle to the plethora of conservative programming that's out there. And the reason there are more conservative talk radio shows is that there is more demand for them in the free market, which is a reflection of where a majority of the people in this country stand in regard to political views. The progressive/liberal voice in talk radio is just too distasteful for most people. As someone who is of the liberal persuasion, you may not like to hear that, but the truth sometime hurts.

Comment by "Deane" on 2005-11-12 17:28:00Z

I'm going to shut things off here.