It’s been reported that Rush Limbaugh is working with Apple to get his podcast listed in iTunes. Since Limbaugh requires membership for listeners to get the daily show on their iPod, some modifications will be needed to make it all happen. Question is, should podcasts cost money? Will Limbaugh’s pursuit for revenue for the EIB empire of his give others a “big idea?”

Podcasts started off with a great intention: bring news, information, and “stuff” to the general listener public for on-demand enjoyment for free. It seems often that the corporate world loves to take up great ideas and attach a figure to it. Limbaugh isn’t the first to put a price tag on a podcast, but is the most well known. If iTunes Music starts showcasing podcasts with cost, how long before more jump onto this wagon? What will it do to the podcasting trend?

It’s been my hopes that Apple would only highlight free podcasts. It’s disappointing that it would be working with Limbaugh to bring him on board, but understandable. Maybe this will end up failing for Limbaugh and he’ll have to cut the budget on those cigars of his… and offer up the podcast for free.

Tags: podcast, rush, limbaugh, paid-for, coming to itunes