Howard Stern has been an active radio personality for over 40 years and was heard on a variety of radio channels throughout his career. In 2004, he was banned from Clear Channel Communications following the broadcast of obscene material. ”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,” John Hogan, Clear Channel Radio’s president said in a statement.
The sexually explicit material that cost Stern his job and credibility was his interview with Rick Salomon about his scandalous video with Paris Hilton. Stern and Salomon’s detailed description of the sexually explicit content cost the station a huge fine of $495,000, payable to the FCC.
Down the Aisle Once Again
Following the end of his first marriage, Howard dated actresses and models, Robin Givens and Angie Everhart. Then he dated TV host and model, Beth Ostrosky, who later became his second wife. The couple was together for seven years before getting engaged on February 14, 2007.
Howard and Beth got married in 2008 at Le Cirque restaurant in New York City and the wedding ceremony was officiated by actor, Mark Consuelos, Kelly Ripa’s husband. Beth is 18 years younger than Howard and the pair are still together today. They share the same passion for pets and have reportedly fostered and found homes for 75 cats.
Not Exactly A Daddy's Girl
Emily Stern, Howard Stern's eldest daughter is pretty candid when asked about her relationship with her father which she describes as an “unhealthy” relationship. It's needless to say that she has some harsh criticism regarding the way her father raised her and her siblings.
“My dad always instilled in us, ‘Everybody’s watching you,’” Emily said. Although Howard claimed that it was for their own protection she views his warnings as narcissism, saying “I was alone. The belief that we were so different made it unhealthy.” Emily feels that he never truly accepted himself adding “Maybe because he was disconnected from the world, he experienced so much shame about who he was.”
A New Path
Following his suspension from Clear Channel Radio in 2004, Stern made an announcement that he would be moving to Sirius Satellite Radio for a five-year contract worth $500 million.
Sirius is a subscription-based satellite radio service and is, therefore, not subject to the FCC’s broadcast regulations. This means that Howard is not restricted from saying whatever he wants on air as penalties and other consequences won’t be an issue. Given his personality, the move clearly benefited him. And, given his popularity, it also suited the satellite radio station just fine. However, he still managed to make waves with the management regarding his payment.
A Quarrel with Quintanilla
One of the most controversial situations that Howard created for himself happened in 1995. After the death of Tejano superstar, Selena Quintanilla, Howard ridiculed her and her music. “Spanish people have the worst taste in music. … This music does absolutely nothing for me. Alvin and the Chipmunks have more soul,” he said.
His racist statements angered Selena’s fans and prompted Hispanic leaders in Texas to boycott all radio stations that aired the filterless Stern. Prior to the issuance of a warrant for his arrest, Stern apologized for his hurtful remarks. His apology came too late to make up for a reckless action that insulted the death of a famous artist and her music.