Drudge Report: Rush Limbaugh Highest Paid Info Broadcaster
Matt Drudge is reporting that Rush Limbaugh's earnings in the year 2000 will exceed those of Peter Jennings, Dan Rather, and Tom Brokaw combined. With total compensation estimated at nearly $30 million, Drudge concludes that Limbaugh is the "highest paid info-broadcaster in history."
We don't think Drudge was criticizing Limbaugh. Instead, he was marvelling at his ability to attract an audience. Rush Limbaugh probably earned more than the big three TV anchors because he had a better year than they did. At least he called the presidential election in the State of Florida correctly the first time.
Another thing we find interesting about this story is the fact that Rush Limbaugh's compensation package is reported to be entirely comprised of incentives. As we understand it, he draws no salary, just a percentage of the ad bookings on his program. This approach seems gutsy now, but it was probably what got the program on the air in many markets. It's amazing how much money he could make under such a model.
Drudge estimates that Limbaugh receives $968 per broadcast minute. We ask, what will it take to make it an even $1,000?