Funny to note that the ad right above my "welcome back" box is for Limbaugh advertiser Lear Capital. Three days ago I didn't even know they existed, now I despise them for supporting Rush's daily hatefest.
And a few fun notes before continuing, from Media Matters:
A total of 86 ads aired during WABC's broadcast of The Rush Limbaugh Show today
77 of those ads were public service announcements donated free of charge by the Ad Council
Of the nine paid spots that ran, seven were from companies that have said they have taken steps to ensure their ads no longer air during the program
WABC's online feed included about 5:33 of dead air when ads would normally have run.
Advertisers with links on their names have already stated that they have asked to have their ads excluded from Limbaugh's show.
Also, many lawyers have commented that Sandra Fluke is in position to sue Rush's ass off. Calling her a prostitute was a huge mistake as it is an accusation of criminal activity. It doesn't matter if she made herself a "public figure" or not on that one, slam dunk.
Also, I informed the folks at Quicksilver Messenger Service's web site that Rush had used their song, Fresh Air, on his show today, I just found this response in my inbox:
"OMG! I will make sure Gary hears about this."
Listed below are the remaining advertisers who were included in today's lineup in Eugene, along with comments in some cases. First the national companies, then the locals ...
Here are some remaining hardcore advertisers:
Grasshopper Lawnmowers - When I called them at (620) 345-8621, I made the mistake of saying up front that I was calling about Rush Limbaugh. I was then transferred to a recording in which a lady explained that while they disagree with Limbaugh's views they value his demographic and will continue to place ads with his show.
Robert L. Steinberg mesothelioma lawyer 888-891-2200
Inventhelp.com - 866-614-3327
Total Transformation - Janet Lehman's authoritarian course for defiant children - 800-488-7457
Hillsdale College - lost cause, hardcore RW, Rush narrates their ads. I guess it doesn't hurt to annoy them though. (517) 437-7341
Insperity.com
Lear Capital had a lot of ads on today
Advance Auto Parts
News Media / Reporters
(540) 561-8452
mediarelations@advanceautoparts.comGoldworth.com
And now the locals, one of which is actually a local clone of a national group ...
Local to Eugene on KPNW 1120 AM ...
Eugenehelpwanted.com (actually based on Colorado)
For Sales and Employer Assistance:
Nicholas Harpin 800-365-8630 Ext. 9388
NEDCO and their Sprout program - a PSA, but not really appropriate for Rush ...
212 Main Street Springfield, OR 97477
(541) 345-7106
Creative Clock
Erick Harpole with Keller-Williams Realty - In all likelihood a lost cause. Glenn Beck narrates his ad on Limbaugh where it has played a number a times each day this week. I still called them to let them know that this ad alone was a reason why I would NEVER EVER EVER do business with them - 541-743-8999
I also noticed that AllState and Geico ads were no longer on the show.
I had a good conversation with Tony Garcia, a VP from helpwanted.com. Their ads fell into the Limbaugh show the same way many others did - it was used to fill the vacuum. They are meeting tomorrow to discuss how to proceed based on receiving several calls over the past few days. I suggested that they request Bicoastal Media to only run their ads on their other Eugene stations and not on KPNW - a possibility he said would be considered. We'll see. In general he was very supportive despite also being pessimistic that we can have a long term impact on Limbaugh's toxic show. I'm not sure he had heard about the 90% PSA's and dead air today ...
Happy dialing, emailing, etc. Also, please email the station - 1120kpnw@gmail.com
Let them know just how you feel about having Rush Limbaugh's hate speech polluting our airwaves. I'll be stopping by tomorrow to see their public file. It's quite possible that the recent Rush stuff will not be in the file yet. They apparently have until the end of the quarter to do these updates. I'll know based on whether my emails to them are included. If not then I'll be checking again after the end of the quarter.
And now, another high energy tune to get you out of your cocoon and ready to smile and dial!
8:13 PM PT: I just read that the 90% number was in error due to the folks at Media Matters monitoring the online show and not the broadcast show. The balance in Eugene was more like 60-40, still a lot of free time being given away on the most expensive show in talk radio.