KRMG In-Depth: The passing of talk radio icon Rush Limbaugh

TULSA — The death of conservative talk show host Rush Limbaugh didn’t come as a surprise, necessarily, as he had disclosed a diagnosis of stage 4 lung cancer back in October.

KRMG In-Depth Report: The passing of radio legend Rush Limbaugh

Limbaugh’s career didn’t happen by accident, but he was the recipient of some good fortune, as Dr. Chris Roberts explained Wednesday during a conversation with KRMG.

Roberts teaches journalism and creative media at the University of Alabama, and himself spent years working in radio and as a working journalist.

He said the end of the Fairness Doctrine, and the rise of corporate ownership of radio stations, created the conditions under which a show like Limbaugh’s could thrive.

That said, a lot of people tried - and failed - where Limbaugh succeeded beyond anyone’s expectations.

To hear Roberts’ explanation of why Limbaugh became a broadcasting legend in his own time, listen to our KRMG In Depth Podcast.

Cox Media Group