Limbaugh, O'Reilly, Imus Top
Talk-Radio 'Influential' List

Who are America's "Top 25" most influential talk-radio hosts?

Today, talk-radio hosts are among the most powerful influencers in America. They are broadcast by more than 1,200 radio stations, plus the Internet, satellite radio, and television. They reach more than 100 million Americans weekly — about a third of the nation.

"The Top 25 Most Influential Talk-Radio Hosts" points out that the firestorm over the Dubai Ports deal was ignited not by a politician or businessman, but by a talk-radio host, Michael Savage, whom Newsmax magazine ranks No. 4 on its list.

The episode stands as proof that the nation's major talk-radio hosts have clout well beyond their listening audiences.

Newsmax looked at the more than 4,500 radio hosts — and we identify the 25 who are most influential in shaping the political and social landscape. Newsmax compiled its rankings based on several factors, including radio audience size and, importantly, the host's global media reach outside of radio, including cable TV news, syndicated columns, books, and the like.

Topping the list of these mega hosts is Rush Limbaugh, the man who saved AM radio from extinction. Rush reaches 20 million listeners weekly through 500 radio stations. He remains America's loyal opposition to the establishment media, and he is the most powerful voice in the GOP.

Close behind is America's No. 2 most influential talker, Bill O'Reilly. O'Reilly's radio show is relatively new and growing — heard on more than 400 stations. But O'Reilly's clout is backed up by a wide array of media guns, including his No. 1-rated Fox News Channel show; his syndicated column; his Web site, billoreilly.com; and his numerous best-selling books, including his latest, Culture Warrior.

Also filling out the leadership positions in talk radio as the No. 3 most influential is Don Imus, whose 2-million-plus listenership is augmented by his MSNBC cable-TV simulcast — a must-watch for America's movers and shakers.

You can read about Rush, O'Reilly, Imus, Savage, and the 21 other powerhouses of talk radio in this special issue of Newsmax magazine.

You can also order Newsmax magazine online with our special free offer — Go Here Now.

Our October issue also features an exclusive, wide-ranging interview with talker Bill O'Reilly, who says Christianity is under attack in the U.S. He also identifies the country's most dangerous man and offers some surprising comments about Sen. Hillary Clinton.

Here are our editors' selections for the most influential talk-radio hosts in America, in order of their influence:

Find out more about each of these hosts in Newsmax magazine's "The Top 25 Most Influential Talk-Radio Hosts" — Go Here Now.

Newsmax magazine is read by 600,000 monthly readers. In 2005 Newsmax magazine won a Silver Eddie award in the News/Commentary category from Folio magazine.