Stern, Howard

Stern, Howard
▪ 1998

      Labeled by some as a racist, misogynist, and homophobe for his controversial humour and uncensored commentary, American radio "shock jock" Howard Stern named himself "King of All Media," and in 1997 he staked his claim to the entertainment throne. Already a best-selling author and host of a radio show that boasted some 20 million listeners, he added movie star to his credentials with the screen adaptation of his autobiography, Private Parts. The film was a box-office success, and Stern earned praise for his self-portrayal. Not content to conquer the American public, he then invaded Canada as "The Howard Stern Show" was heard for the first time on radio stations outside the U.S.

      Born on Jan. 12, 1954, in Roosevelt, N.Y., Stern was introduced to radio by his father, a sound engineer. The younger Stern, an awkward and shy child, found an outlet in the medium and began producing his own show on a tape recorder. As a student at Boston College, he worked at the school's radio station; he graduated in 1976 with a degree in communications. After a series of unmemorable on-the-air jobs in Hartford, Conn., and Detroit, he landed in Washington, D.C. There, teamed with Robin Quivers, who became his sidekick, he developed a highly popular format. With its mix of Stern's self-deprecating jokes; provocative interviews with lesbians; commentary on sex, celebrities, and bodily functions; and in-studio visits by naked women, the radio program shot to number one in the D.C. area. In 1982, however, the duo were fired following a dispute with station management, and they moved to New York City, signing on with WNBC-AM. Though Stern produced another top-rated show, continuous arguments over program content led to his dismissal. In 1985 "The Howard Stern Show" found its home at WXRK-FM. Attracting national attention, it was syndicated the following year and by 1997 was heard in some 40 U.S. cities. Stern's outrageous humour, however, did not have everyone laughing. The Federal Communications Commission levied over $2 million in fines against the program because of its often lewd content, and various groups called for its boycott. Stern, a vocal supporter of the First Amendment, refused to change his highly inflammatory act.

      In the early 1990s Stern began to build his media empire. He produced a cable-television program that evolved in 1992 into the weekly "The Howard Stern Interview." His graphic autobiography, Private Parts (1993), became the quickest-selling book in Simon & Schuster's publishing history. Reaching number one on the New York Times best-seller list, it was followed by Miss America (1995), an account of his radio show and his opinions on a wide range of topics. Stern also appeared on the Internet as loyal fans dedicated hundreds of Web sites to the entertainer.

AMY TIKKANEN

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Universalium. 2010.

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