Mitt Romney founded Bain & Co. in 1984, and today its spinoff -- Bain Capital -- is the third largest private equity firm in the country. Today they bought ClearChannel, a company that owns over 1100 radio stations and 30 TV stations.

This is why media consolidation issues are so important. One rich guy who wants to be president can buy a media empire overnight. Now of course, Romney will argue that he didn’t buy Clear Channel, his private equity company Bain Capital did. And of course, there is no conflict of interest because Romney doesn’t tell Bain Capital what to do as he’s no longer officially with the company.

Does anyone here really think Romney won’t use this pedestal to promote his candidacy, however subtly?

Sean Hannity Enters Long-Term Radio Co-Syndication Deal

SAN ANTONIO/LOS ANGELES, July 21, 2008 – Citadel Broadcasting Corporation’s ABC Radio Networks, Clear Channel Radio’s Premiere Radio Networks and Sean Hannity today announced an unprecedented syndication arrangement for The Sean Hannity Show. Effective Dec. 28, 2008, ABC Radio Networks will continue syndicating the program on Citadel-owned stations while Premiere Radio will syndicate the program on Clear Channel-owned stations as well as radio stations not owned by either company.

Rush Limbaugh Renews Long-Term Contract With Premiere Radio Networks And Clear Channel Radio As He Celebrates 20 Years On Air

LOS ANGELES, July 2, 2008 – Rush Limbaugh, who’s heard weekly by nearly 20 million listeners on about 600 radio stations nationwide, renewed his contract with Premiere Radio Networks and Clear Channel Radio, continuing syndication of The Rush Limbaugh Show many years into the future.

I'd opine that Rush and Sean are not inclined to bite the hand that feeds 'em.