He was famous for radio. I remember as a child the old lady next door talking about putting on her Larry King when she’d occasionally watch me, much like she’d put on her shows(soap operas). I’d guess he was one of the most famous radio personalities for much longer. That was mid 70s. He was already long syndicated nationally.
Edit- see in bio he went national in 1978. I was thinking before that. It’s possible he was carried locally here as he was on radio since 50s, but not maybe a household name everywhere.