Controversy Pays

As a matter of fact, it seems to pay very well. Forbes magazine has placed Glenn Beck’s income for 2009 at approximately $32 million. Beck, a well-known right wing political pundit, is best known for his controversial political stances and his strong verbal condemnation of pretty much anything proposed by President Barack Obama and the Democratic leadership.

Beck’s big paycheck doesn’t come from any one enterprise. He receives about $10 million a year from his radio contracts and another $2 million from his Fox News show. He gets another $13 million a year from his books and his 10 issue a year magazine, Fusion.

Beck’s television and radio programs have been under attack by several Progressive organizations who have mounted campaigns to convince advertisers to pull their ads from Beck’s programs. These campaigns have met with at least some success. According to the Color of Change, one of the Progressive organizations involved, several big advertisers have dropped their ads, including GEICO, Proctor & Gamble, Sargento Cheese, and Progressive Insurance.

The best part of being a controversial political talking head? You don’t even have to care about what you’re saying. Says Beck, ” “I could give a flying crap about the political process. We’re an entertainment company.”