The big question is who will replace Limbaugh? But can he be replaced? I didn't agree with his support of Trump, but there's literally nobody in the ranks who can replace what he did for conservatism. It wasn't just his support for the conservatism agenda, it was his whole personality, showmanship, and general ability to rouse the masses...the conservative and the liberal masses.
I've said this elsewhere, but without Limbaugh, I truly believe that conservative talk is going to be off most of its major affiliates within a few months. But here are the options:
DENNIS PRAGER
Pros: Already in the time slot and has been for years on the Salem network. Has seen a renewal of popularity, especially among younger audiences, thanks to his PragerU videos.
Cons: 72 years old and may not have many more years. Already tethered to Salem, a network that has never been particularly popular. Might get some clearances on smaller stations.
DAVE RAMSEY
Pros: Has an independent following. Already partially in the time slot.
Cons: His show doesn't fit the format.
SEAN HANNITY
Pros: Second-highest rated host in America behind Limbaugh.
Cons: Risk of rapidly losing popularity without his lead-in. Not particularly well-liked. His Fox News gig is a sinking ship. I don't see Hannity moving his show up.
MARK LEVIN
Pros: Established talk star, somewhat better reputation than Hannity
Cons: Cumulus owns his show and has already come out willing to neuter its hosts. Thick northeastern accent could be grating. As others noted, Levin likes the spot he's in now.
ONE OF RUSH'S GUEST HOSTS
Pros: Familiar to audiences who listen to the slot already.
Cons: Probably not Mark Steyn, who has other jobs and likely wouldn't be able to devote the work to a 3-hour daily show.
ALEX JONES
Pros: Has been in the time slot for decades.
Cons: Off the deep end crazy. Blackballed from social media and thus promotional opportunities are limited.
A YOUNGER NAME, e.g. a podcaster
Pros: Appeals to a new demographic, pre-recorded format would not be disruptive to the host's schedule. iHeart already has a few "iHeartPodcasts" stations scattered around the country and has experience with the format.
Cons: Would likely be unknown to most, call-in format would likely be abandoned. Most podcasts seldom go beyond an hour a day and thus multiple shows would be needed.
NOBODY
Pros: The easy and cheap way out.
Cons: Would leave a huge hole in a lot of iHeart's stations' schedules. The "nobody" route would essentially mean most of the formats would be changed to something else, meaning Hannity and Beck would be in danger of losing their gigs as well.