On February 3rd, broadcaster Rush Limbaugh announced during his weekly show that he has been diagnosed with advanced lung cancer. “I wish I didn’t have to tell you this, and I thought about not trying to tell anybody, I thought about trying to do this without anybody knowing because I don’t like making things about me,” Limbaugh announces. 

He told audiences, “There are going to be days that I’m not going to be able to be here, because I will be undergoing treatment, or I’m reacting to treatment.” 

Mr. Ronnie Beard, a history teacher at Oakdale High School, expressed his reaction to the news: “It is sad that anyone has to be diagnosed with cancer of any form, especially lung cancer.”

When asked if this might affect other broadcasters and the media, Beard implied he believed it will, elaborating, “He is such a large radio personality that has most likely started the careers of many other radio personalities. He was one of the spokespeople for the Conservative side of politics, and is able to give his viewers an outlet to voice their opinions.” 

Dana Hubble, a long time listener of the Rush Limbaugh Show, also expressed his opinion. He stated that future broadcasters “will have to fill the void; they will look up to him.”

Since the news broke, many politicians and broadcasters have reached out, giving their support to Limbaugh. Sean Hannity, a broadcaster and close friend to Limbaugh, said on Fox News that the diagnosis “hit me like a dime, like a ton of bricks.” 

President Trump also extended his support to Limbaugh, tweeting, “Many people do not know what a great guy & fantastic political talent the Great Rush Limbaugh is.” 

On February 4th, President Trump also awarded Limbaugh with the Presidential Medal of Freedom during his annual State of the Union. 

Rush Limbaugh’s listeners, supporters, his staff and parts of the media, are hoping for a smooth recovery with minimal complications. Undoubtedly, many people, listeners or not, have been affected by Rush Limbaugh’s career.