Rush Limbaugh Observes 30-Years In Syndication

He’s the most listened-to talk-radio host in the U.S., the man “behind the golden EIB microphone” credited with single-handedly saving AM radio and paving the way for a powerful, alternative voice to the liberal establishment media.

Thirty years ago on this day, Aug. 1, 1988, he began broadcasting “The Rush Limbaugh Show” on then-flagship WABC 770 AM in New York City.

On his July 12 show, Limbaugh reflected on the approaching anniversary.

“It’s a treat for me to have the opportunity to be behind this microphone every day,” he told his listeners. “You notice how many callers lately are saying 25-year listener, 28-year listener, 20-year listener.”

He said that after three decades the audience has only grown, with up to 27 million listeners, reports WorldNetDaily.

“Demographically, everybody who started with this program in 1988 has aged 30 years along with the program and me, the host, and they’re still there,” he said.

Limbaugh’s radio show began in 1984 at Sacramento, California, radio station KFBK. Three years later, the Reagan administration repealed the Fairness Doctrine, which had required TV and radio stations to provide equal time for opposing political views, opening the door to the Limbaugh-led rise of conservative talk radio.

Read More Now