Cumulus Renews with Limbaugh for Three Years

RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, December 14, 2016

Premiere Networks and Cumulus Media announced today a renewed and extended affiliation agreement that will keep The Rush Limbaugh Show on 33 Cumulus stations through 2019. On the heels of the program's 28th anniversary in national syndication, the multi-million dollar deal represents Limbaugh's increased power and audience appeal as the most-listened-to national radio talk show host in America.

In the last year, The Rush Limbaugh Show experienced combined audience growth of +49 % with Persons 12+ and +23% with Adults 25- 54 on Cumulus-owned stations in Chicago (WLS-AM), Detroit (WJR-AM), Washington, D.C. (WMAL-FM), Dallas (WBAP-AM) and San Francisco (KSFO-AM). Nationwide, the program has experienced significant year-over-year audience growth in 2016 with Persons 12+ (+21%), Adults 25-54 (+13%), Adults 18-34 (+12%) and Women 25-54 (+17%). (Sources: Nielsen Audio, JAN-NOV Avg 2016 vs 2015, PPM Exact Times, AQH - Combined AQH; Nielsen Audio, JAN-NOV Avg 2016 vs 2015, PPM, Exact Times, AQH).

"Rush is a unique and true broadcaster, and we've had a successful partnership for many years," stated Bob Walker, SVP Operations and Co-Head Office of Programming, Cumulus Media. "We're pleased to continue offering The Rush Limbaugh Show on our market-leading brands, which connect with millions of consumers and drive positive results for our partners."

"Rush continues to be a dominant force in Talk radio," stated Julie Talbott, Premiere Networks President. "From continued ad sales growth and increased audience levels, to unparalleled audience connection, having an iconic talent like Rush in a station lineup drives valuable opportunities for advertisers and strategic partners. We're delighted to continue our partnership with Cumulus."