Media reports here and everywhere are that Rush Limbaugh agreed yesterday to stay on the air for at least eight more years, for a deal worth more than $400 million, including a $100 million signing bonus.

It’s always nice to see excellence – including Excellence in Broadcasting (EIB) – recognized.

Because Rush is involved in the day-to-day political debate and has been such an important presence for two decades now, it’s easy to lose sight of all he has achieved. He is the man who almost single-handedly saved AM radio. He was the original embodiment of the “new media.” And he is the trailblazer in a profession – conservative talk radio – that is now flourishing, both nationally and locally, and which has become part of our political landscape. Limbaugh’s contributions have been enormous, and in twenty years he has never lost his appeal or audience support He’s still at the top of his game. In that sense, he reminds me of Johnny Carson, who dominated late night television every night he was on and gave an assist to many others along the way.

$400 million is a lot of money. And you know what? He’s worth every penny.