It has never been clear to me what criteria is used when establishing the Heavy 100. Why is Laura Ingrham higher than Ed Shultz. Is it based on listeners or what?
The name Heavy 100 is an oxymoron, since there are, maybe, a dozen talk show hosts in the entire country who's pronouncements can actually make news or stir controvery. The other 95% would have trouble getting arrested.
The list has always been a marketing ploy by Harrison to give him and the magazine entree into the talk radio world, and a good one. You may not care that Joe Blow is the 172nd most powerful talk host in the country, bet you can bet Joe Blow cares. Heck, if he, or his syndicator, buys enough ads, sooner or later he may crack the Heavy 100.
Outside of the obvious (the Limbaughs and Hannitys and Sterns of the world) the rest are just 'pick'em space fillers, some listed because they are buddies of Harrison (does anyone actually think that Doug Stephan (#18) is a major player in radio?) or mention the magazine on their programs (IIRC, Stephan used to, and maybe still does, base programs around Talkers Magazine features.)
Regards,
TSB