Alan Colmes defends Limbaugh, Hannity: 'Without them, I'd have a much smaller platform

Regarding the news that Cumulus, the second-largest radio network, may drop conservative talkers Sean Hannity and Rush Limbaugh from its stations, liberal commentator Alan Colmeswrites in their defense from other liberals who have celebrated the possibility:

...[T]hese two broadcasters, with whom I vehemently, vocally, and publicly disagree politically, have done more to keep the talk radio industry alive than anyone else. It’s because of the success of these two shows that many stations have stayed in the talk format in the first place, allowing other shows to be heard. Much as liberals don’t have nearly as many outlets as conservatives ... it would be even worse for the left if these shows weren’t making it, because the industry would be closer to collapse at a time when terrestrial radio is struggling. ...

I will continue to speak out against the views of both Limbaugh and Hannity when I feel it’s warranted, meeting their free speech with my own. But I will never forget that, without them, I’d have a much smaller platform on which to do it.

Colmes also notes -- as we did Tuesday -- that even if Hannity and Limbaugh were dropped by Cumulus, the effect would be negligible.

@eScarry