Politics

Forbes: Glenn Beck earned more than Oprah over last year

Jamie Weinstein Senior Writer
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Conservative personalities Glenn Beck, Rush Limbaugh and Sean Hannity all made Forbes magazine’s 2013 list of the 100 most powerful celebrities — the only political celebrities, left or right, to do so.

Among the three, Beck led the way. Forbes estimated that he earned a staggering $90 million dollars over the last 12 months, more than even Oprah Winfrey, who earned an estimated $77 million and took the top spot on Forbes’ list.

Despite being the 7th highest earner on the list, Beck was ranked 34th overall.

Limbaugh, who hosts the number one political radio talk show in America, came in just three spots behind Beck on the list in 37th place. Forbes estimated he earned $66 million over the last 12 months.

As for Fox News’ Hannity, he was ranked as the 72nd most powerful celebrity, raking in an estimated $30 million.

Forbes explained in their introduction to the list that while earnings over the last 12 months play the largest role in the rankings, the magazine also takes into account other factors, like a celebrity’s presence on TV and in print, their Internet ubiquity, their marketability and their strength on social media.

No liberal personalities who are known purely for politics made the list, though liberal comedian Jon Stewart was listed in 57th place and with an estimated $16 million in earnings.

Perennial presidential pretender, real estate mogul and reality TV star Donald Trump also made the list in 30th place. Forbes estimated the grandiose billionaire earned a relatively paltry $63 million, less than the estimated earnings of Beck and Limbaugh.

After Oprah, Lady Gaga, Steven Spielberg, Beyonce Knowles and Madonna rounded out the top five.

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