In 1984 , Limbaugh returned to radio as a talk show host at KFBK in Sacramento , where he replaced Morton Downey Jr . The repeal of the Fairness Doctrine — which had required that stations provide free air time for responses to any controversial opinions that were broadcast — by the FCC on August 5 , 1987 meant stations could broadcast editorial commentary without having to present opposing views . Daniel Henninger wrote , in a '' Wall Street Journal '' editorial , " Ronald Reagan tore down this wall ( the Fairness Doctrine ) in 1987 ... and Rush Limbaugh was the first man to proclaim himself liberated from the East Germany of liberal media domination . " On August 1 , 1988 , after achieving success in Sacramento and drawing the attention of former ABC Radio President Edward McLaughlin , Limbaugh moved to New York City and began his national radio show . He debuted just weeks after the Democratic National Convention , and just weeks before the Republican National Convention . Limbaugh 's radio home in New York City was the talk-formatted WABC ( AM ) , and this remained his flagship station for many years , even after Limbaugh moved to West Palm Beach , Fla. , from where he continues to broadcast his show . Limbaugh 's show moved on January 1 , 2014 to WABC 's cross-town rival WOR ( AM ) , its current New York outlet
Democratic National Convention
1988 Democratic National Convention
Rush Limbaugh