Shock jock Howard Stern was taken off the air in six cities including San Diego today by Clear Channel Communications, the nation’s largest radio broadcaster, as part of a self-imposed crackdown on so-called “indecent content”, said the company.
“Clear Channel drew a line in the sand today with regard to protecting our listeners from indecent content and Howard Stern’s show blew right through it,” said John Hogan, president and CEO of Clear Channel Radio. “It was vulgar, offensive, and insulting, not just to women and African Americans but to anyone with a sense of common decency. We will not air Howard Stern on Clear Channel stations until we are assured that his show will conform to acceptable standards of responsible broadcasting,” Hogan said.
The Howard Stern Show will continue to be aired on about 40 stations owned by Infinity Broadcasting, company executives said.
(via Clear Channel Communications)
12 responses so far ↓
Angel Rivera // Feb 29, 2004 at 11:38 am
Howard Stern is a big kid and his sense of humor is not of the average, but I still find amusing. Our great country has fought for the freedom of speech and I believe that he should have it. I am a fan of Howard though sometimes he makes me grab my head and say, ” I cannot believe he just said that”. Howard is a good I feel though I don’t know him personally. If Clear Channel broadcasting will not play Howard I will move to Sat radio, and never invest in this company. As a good parent I would never let my children listen to Howard and he begs quite often that I don’t let them. Censorship is rearing its ugly head even if it is selective censorship. I might as well as move to Iraq so then at least there it is acceptable for them to determine what I am allowed to listen to.
Tim Murphy // Mar 12, 2004 at 3:14 am
What is this all about? Protecting the listeners? Howard Stern has been on the air for nearly 20 years now, and everyone knows what his show consists of. If you do not want to hear it, TURN THE STATION!!! It is that easy. How far can the government stretch our rights? We the people run this country, not the publicity hungry government officials(who are elected by us). Maybe on the Bill of Rights, we need a subtext explaining exactly what FREEDOM OF SPEECH MEANS!!! What does it mean? We have freedom of speech as long as we do not offend anyone with what we say? What kind of freedom is that?
Steve Gonzales // Mar 23, 2004 at 2:19 pm
I agree with everyone, I’ve been listening/watching Howard since he was on WWOR in NY. I’m just writing to say this isnt a problem with the government and sensorship, this is a private corporation that can do or play what they want. There is no such thing as a private individual violating your constitutional rights, only the government can violate these rights.
The only way to get back at clear channel is to boycott there stations. Money is obviously their biggest motivator, they didnt have a problem with Howard’s ratings until a handful of holy rollers got upset and threatened to boycott the shows sponsers. Its like they say, “the squeeky wheel gets the oil.”
jimmy // Apr 1, 2004 at 3:36 pm
Fuck the FCC and Fuck BUSH!!!
Fuck you bush
Sean Brady // Apr 9, 2004 at 11:28 am
I agree with one of the posters here, it’s clear channels perogative to play who and what they want but dont try to hide in in the guise of protecting their listeners that is a bullshit cop out. I personally will not be listening to ANY clear channel stations and if possible will not supportr any of the advertisers on their radio stations.
Mechelle M. // May 5, 2004 at 5:13 am
I don’t Love Howard Stern,but I have been listening in on his show for quite a while now, and my opinion is this: He’s been “Offensive ” for how long now?! I mean come on! As notorious and controversial as he has been ALL THESE YEARS…it seems like people would know when to tune in and out by now. You don’t HAVE to listen,or watch him on T.V. even! By HATING him , your only igniting his flame …seems like the people would also know that by now! Howard S. can be annoying at times…but only by the constant “repeating” of his “Vulgarness”, he needs new material…thats the problem! Just quit whining and turn him off … your intitled to your own opinion,I agree, but something must have drawn you to listen to him to hate him so!?!?
Jacob // Jun 3, 2004 at 10:08 pm
Howard Stern is the best thing to happen to the radio, and screw all you people who cant make up there own minds and do the hardest thing in the world and push a little botton that says ‘POWER’ assholes. You sit there and bitch about how offensive he is well you dont need to bitch you have the power to censor what you see and hear.
Nathan // Nov 10, 2004 at 12:39 am
I find it sad that we live in a time where people curse each other out over the internet(all for some guy getting the boot). I also find it sad when young children can have such easy access to disgusting and vulgar information. I hope one day when all you young people with attitudes grow up, you see there is more to life than a man with nothing better to do than dirty our airwaves, and pollute our minds. Thank you Clear Channel for taking action in cleaning up our community from the trash that inhibits our lives.
austin // Jan 6, 2005 at 7:13 pm
howard stern rocks
Really Mad // Feb 17, 2005 at 6:06 am
First of all, you all need to work on your grammar. Remember Mr. Period? He comes after every sentence to stop it and make a new one begin. Use it more often. Second of all, if you dont like ot listen to Mr. Stern, don’t. Some people like him. Let it go.
Rob // Aug 1, 2005 at 9:10 pm
I find it funny how Howard Stern happens to be very liberal, and Clear Channel owned by Colin Powell’s son. Also considering that clear channel pretty much controls all of broadcasting in America, I also dont find this suprising you dont see half the things on TV about Iraq as you would in any other country.
Chuck Sedlacek // Aug 10, 2005 at 7:12 am
I agree….For those who hate him, screw them. This is what we strive for “FREEDOM”! We need to protect everyones rights even the ones we don’t agree with. Like him or not, we need to protect everyone’s rights and you always have “The POWER BUTTON”! For you idiots out there it is the button that turns something OFF!
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