US ‘shock jock’ stirs up airwaves

Rush Limbaugh, one of the most popular conservative radio hosts in the US, is infamous for his controversial and often off-colour remarks.

Dubbed a political “shock jock”, Limbaugh’s show is broadcast on some 600 radio stations across the country, where he earns millions talking up Republican policies and opposing Democratic ones.

But he faced wide criticism for offensive remarks he made about a female student who had spoken up in favour of Obama administration plans to make insurance companies pay for birth control – including pressure from his advertisers – which resulted in him issuing a rare apology live on-air.

Al Jazeera’s John Terrett reports.