Howard Stern

Howard Stern is the type of entertainer whose personal life contradicts his professional persona to such an extent that in the public eye he may appear as two completely different people. His smut-laden radio and TV program has drawn considerable ire from conservative politicians anxious to use him as ammunition in their “family values” crusade. But Stern’s compatriot Larry Flynt has famously unmasked the hypocrisy behind much of this assault.

Perhaps of more interest is Stern’s upright behavior within his own personal relationships. Citing a busy work schedule, he recently ended his marriage of 21 years, boasting to have never indulged in indiscretions, despite the opportunities afforded him by his prominence within his profession.

As a child Stern was a gawky social outcast with a big mouth. He was also intelligent and hardworking, and after entering college realized his dream of entering the domain of radio, which would allow him to put his personality across with fewer inhibitions. In his autobiography Private Parts Stern claims to be incredibly unappealing to women, have an unimpressive penis, and—forming an unfortunate combination—possess an enormous sex drive.

Controversial from his first broadcast, Stern has described his show’s content as following his own interests and presenting unusual stories and angles not normally seen in broadcasting. His show contains interviews with all types of celebrities, although his discussions with callers and his sexually provocative conversations with strippers, models and porn stars are perhaps more notable.

Much of his show’s entertainment is due to his vitriolic abuse of his callers and his no-holds barred street comedy foot soldiers. While most callers will laugh along with his comic, over the top tirades, his feud with SNL veteran Chevy Chase has often crossed the line into pure cruelty.

His sidekick Robin Quivers has had a more diverse career than Stern, serving in the US Air Force and working as nurse before finding her calling in radio broadcasting. Stern claims to have a well-educated, affluent audience, and in 2006 abandoned conventional radio to instead appear on paid satellite radio. He is the highest paid personality in radio and has recently reversed his politics in response to dirty tricks carried out by President Bush’s FCC.