Howard Stern Already Under Fire
Parents Television Council urges corporations to boycott 'America's Got Talent'
By Kenny Herzog May 7, 2012 9:42AM
You know the old saying: The more things change, the more Howard Stern will forever be shadowed by protesters and censors with distaste for his incendiary persona on "The Howard Stern Show." Earlier this morning, TMZ claimed to have exclusively obtained and published a letter that was allegedly drafted by the Parents Television Council (PTC) and sent to all "America's Got Talent" advertisers. The scathing memo insists that the radio host-turned-"AGT" judge's "reputation for sleaze and misogyny is well known." It elaborates that, "To our knowledge, his only previous judging experience consisted of looking at insecure, naked young women and telling them whether or not they were hot enough to pose for Playboy." This last point is not entirely true, but we digress.
Bing: More on "America's Got Talent" | Howard Stern | PTC
As it happens, PTC wasn't exactly hiding from the letter, which they openly posted on their own site just a few hours after it was leaked on TMZ. The official document also clarifies that it represents excerpts of several letters sent last week from the organization's president, Tim Winter, to more than 90 corporations.
PTC's goal? Encouraging ad agencies to "consider alternative network television programming" for their money and prematurely elude what "will likely result in a sharp increase in explicit content" during the family oriented competition series. Because, as we know, well-endowed corporations generally uphold superlative values.
Neither Stern himself nor NBC have responded as of yet, although we're sure PTC has received a grievance or two from a mysterious, concerned viewer only known as Baba Booey.
UPDATE: Dan Isett, director of public policy for PTC, responded to our request for comment by clarifying that, "If sponsors are going to risk their hard-earned corporate brand on sponsoring a show with him attached to it, they need to go into it with their eyes wide open," adding, "If Stern's gonna behave himself, so be it. The question is, can he do that, and will sponsors pay for it if he doesn't?"
"America's Got Talent" premieres Monday, May 14, at 8 p.m. ET/PT on NBC.
75Comments
May 7, 2012 1:49PM
Here is another case like the one where Bollywood actors are bitching about the Avenger Movie showing their slums in the movie. People need to stop bitching about every little thing. If you don't like something keep it to yourself we don't care what you think. Is your life that boring. Go do something useful. I'd rather know Howard Stern than stuck up, close minded people like you.
May 7, 2012 1:48PM
May 7, 2012 1:27PM
as a daily stern show listener i can say yes, stern is a "shock jock". also, i can say stern is one of the most talented interviewers i have ever heard. he is a father of 3 and married to a wonderfull woman... so what if he is rude, crude and whatever else you want to call him but, he is a adult, he is a well paid radio host who has a shocking show... that his schitck. knowbody can pass judgement on him because your not on his level. he does what he does because that's what sirius pays him for. as for AGT i have nevery been a fan of those type shows. i will say i will be watching every one of those shows because he has such great commentary on everything, the crew will be hitting a home run. and he is a judge, he judged the "hottest tranny contest lol... 819
May 7, 2012 1:27PM
These right-wing groups whine about freedom and patriotism then try to bully anyone not to their liking. They tried with Ellen and now Howard Stern.
Funny, Ellen and Howard are as American as they come.
Times are changing, conservos. Your brand of thinking is DONE! You will soon reap what you sow.
Funny, Ellen and Howard are as American as they come.
Times are changing, conservos. Your brand of thinking is DONE! You will soon reap what you sow.
May 7, 2012 1:22PM
I couldn't help but think as I was reporting this, "You didn't see Atheists or, for that matter, non-Christians, lining up to embargo ad revenue for American Idol when Colton Dixon was a contestant/veritable missionary." Offensive content is always subjective, but I agree that we should at least let an episode air, and knowing Stern's career well, he can reign it in and be intelligently critical when he needs to be. Doubtful he'd have gotten this gig if that weren't already discussed.
May 7, 2012 1:20PM
At last Howard will realize his dream…….being part of a public “threesome”. I look forward to hearing questions about contestant’s cup size, penis length, threesome experience and other wholesome details. The show will surely attract a new segment of the lowlife audience. Welcome, WWE Raw fans, to AG(T&A)!
May 7, 2012 1:20PM
I'm a 40-something female who has CHOSEN to listen to Howard Stern for years. Clearly the people drafting that letter haven't listened to his shows, at least not with an open mind. Howard strikes me as a level-headed, insightful entertainer. It is too bad his own talent is overlooked by these folks. He probably has attracted more viewers to AGT. The parents who signed that letter may not be the advertisers' target market while advertising on AGT...
May 7, 2012 1:11PM
May 7, 2012 1:03PM
Really, there are so many people willing to pre-judge with out even seeing one episode. Wow. That is great parenting in prejudice. Let's teach our kids to pre-judge others before they experience for themselves. With all the government sensorship already in place, do you really think NBC would allow any primetime antics? Many episodes have already been pre-recorded and hundreds of people have attended the tapings. I have yet to hear of any accounts where Howard has acted or said anything inappropriate. Lighten up and give the guy a break.
May 7, 2012 1:02PM
May 7, 2012 1:00PM
May 7, 2012 12:57PM
I think it is GREAT that he is a judge. Does anyone know about him out side of the Satellite show that he is rude and obnoxious on? People pay and choose to listen to him and that is to each his own. Do you really think he will mention sex, t&a etc on America's Got Talent get real. He is a father of 2 great girls. Read the facts people and not judge.
May 7, 2012 12:57PM
I don't watch shows like AGT or American Idol, or the Voice. They are not my cup of tea. However I don't think this council should entice people to boycott a show because they don't like one of the judges. If you don't like the show then don't watch it. I don't find Howard Stern all that threatening. But I guess haters are going to hate, that is what they do best.
May 7, 2012 12:54PM
May 7, 2012 12:51PM
May 7, 2012 12:51PM
I have never been a Howard Stern fan and don't intend to become one. But, he makes a lot of money for being gross, rude and degrading so there must be a lot of people who are fans. I'm not sure how that qualifies him as a talent judge, but maybe it's not his "qualifications" that got him the job.
May 7, 2012 12:50PM
May 7, 2012 12:49PM
Please......The Howard Stern show is one of the only places you can hear the news without bias these days. He is also one of the best interviewers of all time. I attended the local taped auditions and everything was definately G-Rated!! He is a brilliant man who knows talent. Yes, some of the things on the radio show can go overboard, but that is what MILLIONS of people pay to hear. Personally, I have never watched AGT, but will now that he is there
May 7, 2012 12:47PM
Howard is a media genius. I have been listening to him way before he went to Sirius. It is not about him controling himself. He knows excatly what to say and do to bring record high ratings to the show. Advertisers would be wise to show their ads during AGT. He is going to be a great judge.
May 7, 2012 12:47PM
Howard is a media genius. I have been listening to him way before he went to Sirius. It is not about him controling himself. He knows excatly what to say and do to bring record high ratings to the show. Advertisers would be wise to show their ads during AGT. He is going to be a great judge.
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