Limbaugh Tops All-Time List of Talk-Show Hosts

Radio show hosts like nothing more than a juicy controversy to kick-start a heated debate. Thanks to "Talkers" magazine, they've got one.

The publication recently anointed conservative iconoclast Rush Limbaugh as the top radio talk-show host of all time on its "Heaviest Hundred" list. The political lightening rod landed a spot above New York based shock jock Howard Stern. Larry King, Sean Hannity and Don Imus rounded out the top five, reports the New York Daily News.

In selecting the honorees on the occasion of its 20th anniversary, publisher Michael Harrison said the "Talkers" list was subjective but that it attempted to account for many factors when coming to conclusions.

The hope was to "create a roster reflective of the industry's diversity, colorful history and cumulative flavor, as well as giving credit where credit is due," he said.

Among the elements considered were ratings, longevity, talent and historical relevance.

In an interview with radio-info.com, Harrison said that Stern could have taken the number one if the list had been for top entertainer, but given the criteria used, it would have been difficult to keep Rush from the top spot.

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