It's absolutely the biggest thing in broadcast media--this phenomenon of talk radio. What makes it so popular??

In attempting to answer this question, we will examine two of the most popular programs: Rush Limbaugh and Dr. Laura. This week, we look at Limbaugh.

For those of you who have been stranded on a desert island without any communications for the last few years, Rush Limbaugh is a conservative talk show host, whose network has more than 600 affiliated radio stations. At one time, he had a daily TV show, as well. Even without the TV show, Limbaugh is on the air waves three hours a day, five days a week. In some markets, he is also broadcast on Saturday, as a "best of" package.

Limbaugh provides a real outlet for the "average" American. It's no secret that most Americans are conservative, rather than liberal, and it's no secret that the elite media is liberal rather than conservative. What better place for the common man to vent his frustrations, than on Rush's program?

And vent they do! Multi-millionaire Rush can somehow sympathize with the plight of these middle America types, as they struggle to make ends meet. Every single day his loyal listeners will compliment him ("Dittos!!") on the job he's doing, and tell him how great it is that he is getting the word out.

Well, OK. He is getting the word out, but exactly who has benefitted? Rush certainly has, but what about his fans? Are taxes any lower, is the government any less intrusive, are there fewer people on welfare? In short, are we any closer to the perfect society?

Sorry, but we're not. In fact, the show is nothing more than entertainment selling products--just like every other commercial broadcast. Sometimes, it's purely shameless! After hearing endless diatribes about how incompetent the government is, we are treated to a commercial for a phonics tape course, which boasts that government studies prove that it works. Are we missing something?

No, not really. Limbaugh has found a great niche, and millions of listeners support him. As they call in to whine and moan, or just listen to others whine and moan, maybe they've lost sight of the fact that they are part of a carefully researched demographic group. Limbaugh sells products, for sure. As the audience tunes in for its daily fix, do they ponder how much better it is to fantasize on loosening the yoke of government, only to have it replaced with crass commercialism?