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Tampa gets Stern

Say what you want about Howard Stern. In a nutshell,

He is highly controversial for his use of scatalogical and sexual humor and inflammatory comments about various religious and ethnic groups.

But, ever since W’s FCC declared war against him, he has become one of the most vocal critics of the Bush administration. A quick look at his web site reveals lots of anti-Bush links. He rants daily about the Bush administration, and he is loudly encouraging his listeners to vote aWol right out of office.

Howard’s listeners are a diverse bunch, too, about evenly split between Dems and Rethugs, with a large contingent of independents, but one thing many of his listeners share is a respect for Howard’s opinions, and right now they are very pissed off at George Bush and the FCC. He could well help swing the state and the nation away from W’s rule.

Yesterday, Stern announced that he was returning to many of the markets where Clear Channel pulled him off of the air several months ago.

Howard Stern, the radio shock jock whose removal in February from six Clear Channel Communications Inc. stations marked another battle in the cultural war over indecency, will return to nine cities nationwide, including WPBZ-FM 103.1, "The Buzz," in West Palm Beach, starting July 19.

"I can't wait to get back into the markets where we were taken off," Stern said in a statement Wednesday. "I've missed my fans, and judging from the countless e-mails and calls I've received, they've missed the show."

New York-based Infinity Broadcasting Corp., which syndicates Stern's show in 35 cities, also is adding his 6-10 a.m. weekday show in Tampa and Orlando. The controversial but popular Stern is well known for his foul language and sexually explicit comedy.
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When it comes to men in that (18-34) age group, Stern's show is tops in New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Dallas, said Jim Goss, an analyst with Chicago-based Barrington Research.
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The debate over what should be allowed over the public airwaves heated up Feb. 1, when singer Janet Jackson's right breast became exposed during the halftime show at the Super Bowl.

As the previous article noted, Stern will also be available in the Tampa area, for the first time.

Howard Stern announced Wednesday that his syndicated morning show would appear in nine new markets, including four where his show was axed by the nation's largest radio chain for alleged indecency.

Among the new broadcasting outlets: Tampa radio station WQYK, 1010 AM, which currently airs locally-produced sports programming as well ESPN sports shows. Stern's syndicated program, which originates from New York City, will air live from 6 to 10 a.m. weekdays on the Infinity-owned station.

Charlie Ochs, Tampa market manager for Tampa's six Infinity outlets, says the controversial disc jockey is a premiere morning show host with a loyal listener base. Though rumors circulated for years about this station or that picking up Stern's program, his July 19 debut will be the first time Stern has a home in Tampa.

So, bite your tongue and give Howard a chance. He’s actually a step up from Bubba, and right now he’s a powerful ally in the fight against the Bush dynasty.