More Howard Stern Details (July 2, 2004)

91X was the first station to pick up the Stern show for the San Diego market in February 1995, but under pressure from the humorless twits of the Mexican government, Jacor moved Stern over to 105.3 in 1997.

Two companies affiliated with the Howard Stern show filed a lawsuit seeking more than $10 million against Clear Channel on Wednesday in Manhattan federal court, saying it had violated terms of the agreements to air the show. The companies said Clear Channel failed to notify them the show was being dropped as required and that they are owed license fees. Clear Channel, the largest U.S. radio station owner, cited a new zero tolerance policy for indecent antics on the air when it dropped Stern in February as federal regulators turned up the pressure on radio station operators, with heavy fines for content they deemed indecent. A Clear Channel spokeswoman declined to comment on Stern's remarks (read Reuters) (read WTAE - The Pittsburgh Channel) (read San Antonio Express-News) (FMQB) rronline.com

His tastes usually lean more toward hot bodies than hot-button issues. But in what could go down as the skin-tight presidential election of 2004, experts say shock-jock Howard Stern might hold shockingly profound influence -- with the "King of Swing'' firing up millions of critical swing voters against President Bush. "I'm an independent. ... I always vote for the best guy,'' Stern told his audience this week, urging them -- as he has for months -- to vote for Democratic challenger Sen. John Kerry of Massachusetts. Dismissing Bush as incompetent and a threat to the First Amendment, he said of the choices facing voters in November: "I think the stakes are higher than they've ever been before.'' To political insiders, the stern words from the comic shock-jock -- whose Web site of late is dominated by data about dumping Bush rather than D-cups -- are no laughing matter (read Carla Marinucci - SF Chronicle)

Story: Howard Returns To San Diego on KPLN (July 1, 2004)

http://www.howardstern.com/
As the reporters started to arrive for the big press conference, Howard talked about how embarrassed he was that KROCK didn't provide any food or coffee for everyone. We were sending out interns to Starbucks to get coffee for the reporters and their crews. Howard said at most press conferences there is a huge buffet of food out. Artie said a lot of the times they have chefs cooling omelet's for everyone. After Howard said this, Tom Chiusano raced around trying to get some food up, but as Artie later pointed out, it was a poor little plate of stale bagels and danishes. But as bad as it was, it was a treat for the Stern Show Staff who usually don't have breakfast provided for them. Artie said that when you put a lot of butter on the bagel, it hides the staleness

Howard finally held his big press conference. There were a ton of reporters here to cover it from legitimate news sources like the NY Times, Wall Street Journal, CNN, USA Today, CBS and many other organizations. Howard opened up the conference by running through the events of the past few months from Janet Jackson at the super bowl, to Clear Channel kicking him off six markets, to the FCC and the government forcefully going after him and trying to kick him off the air. Howard reminded the reporters that it's not just him that will be affected by this new indecency bill in Congress, that after he's gone they will go after other broadcasters and news makers and stifle any criticism of the government. After that, Howard made his big announcement - that the show is going back on in 9 new markets including many of the markets Clear Channel fired him from. The new markets are: Pittsburgh, San Diego, Rochester, Tampa, Houston, Austin, West Palm Beach, Orlando and Fresno. Howard thanked Infinity and Viacom for putting him on these markets and commended the guts they had to do it - guts that Clear Channel obviously lacked when the kowtowed to the Bush Administration and fired him. Howard vowed to destroy his old Clear Channel stations in those markets. Howard then took questions from the press and basically reiterated his support for John Kerry, even though Kerry voted for the indecency bill, and said he will do everything he can to help Kerry get elected. He also said adding the new markets is like winning the battle, but he'll ultimately lose the war against the government because you never win against the government. Howard did no rule out going to Satellite Radio if he's eventually forced off the air. But until then he appreciates the company standing behind him and giving him this great vote of confidence.

After the press conference, Howard got a big surprise. His father, Ben Stern, called in to say he was so impressed and proud of how Howard handled that press conference and called him a genius and told Howard he loved him. Robin could not believe that Ben called in himself to say all these things, but they never really sunk in for Howard. Howard said he really appreciates what his dad says but says there is something wrong with him (Howard) that keeps him from getting too emotional. Ben Stern did touch some people though, as two female callers called in crying over the kind words from Mr. Stern. Howard said those callers are blessed to have actual emotions.

Official Infinity Radio Press Release:

"THE HOWARD STERN SHOW" LAUNCHES ON NINE INFINITY BROADCASTING RADIO STATIONS BEGINNING ON MONDAY, JULY 19

"King Of All Media" Makes Long Awaited Return To The Airwaves In San Diego, Pittsburgh, Orlando And Rochester.

Announcement came at 5:38am.

THE HOWARD STERN SHOW, radio's most popular morning program, will launch in nine Infinity Broadcasting markets across the country, it was announced today by Joel Hollander, President and Chief Operating Officer, Infinity. This announcement marks his return to markets where he has been off the air since February 26. Stations in Houston (KIKK-AM), San Diego (KPLN-FM), Tampa (WQYK-AM), Pittsburgh (WBZZ-FM), Orlando (WOCL-FM), Austin (KQBT-FM), West Palm Beach (WPBZ-FM), Rochester (WZNE-FM) and Fresno (KRNC-FM). THE HOWARD STERN SHOW will debut on all stations beginning on_ Monday, July 19_.

These nine additional markets brings the total number of stations that carry THE HOWARD STERN SHOW to 45, including 27 owned and operated by Infinity Broadcasting. The program is rated No. 1 Men 25-54 in New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Dallas, Philadelphia, Washington and Boston, among others.

"Howard has dominated the radio landscape for more than 20 years," said Hollander. "The millions of listeners who tune into the Howard Stern Show on a daily basis is unmatched in the industry. He delivers one of the most loyal audiences in radio who will no doubt embrace his return."

"I can't wait to get back into the markets where we were taken off," said Howard Stern. "I've missed my fans and judging from the countless emails and calls I've received, they've missed the show. Now we have the opportunity to be together again. It will be great."

In addition to his successful radio program, Howard Stern also starred in "Private Parts" based on his best-selling autobiography, and authored one the fastest selling books in publishing history, Miss America. His E! Entertainment Television show recently celebrated their 10^th anniversary on the air and remains one of the networks highest-rated series.

Additional Information From Other Sources:

Clear Channel Communications suspended the syndicated Stern program in February and dropped the country's best-known shock jock from its stations in Rochester, Orlando, San Diego, Pittsburgh and two other markets after complaints by federal regulators.

In early June, Clear Channel agreed to a record $1.75 million settlement with the Federal Communications Commission to resolve indecency complaints against Stern and other radio personalities.

Stern's nationally syndicated show is basically aimed for mature audiences, meaning children would be extremely bored with topics such as graphic sexual discussions and wicked humor.

Stern made the announcement at a news conference aired live on his radio show early Wednesday morning. He railed against the increased scrutiny he has received in recent months from the FCC.

"I'm not taking it sitting down," Stern said Wednesday.

He said entering the new markets - in approximately two weeks - was a message to the FCC, which has tightened its enforcement of indecency standards. Stern and the FCC have battled for years, with Infinity paying $1.7 million in 1995 to settle various violations by the DJ.

Stern said the FCC's enforcement "has a chilling effect on all broadcasters."

"The FCC is on a witch hunt," he said.

Federal law bars radio stations and over-the-air television channels from airing references to sexual and excretory functions between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m., when children may be tuning in. The rules do not apply to cable and satellite channels or satellite radio.

Clear Channel, in dumping Stern, said it feared any continued association with the DJ and his raunchy show might led to losing their station licenses.

The announcement came via an old-fashioned on-air press conference like Stern used to routinely do years ago. He said he was "devastated" when Clear Channel "abandoned" him and "threw him under the bus." It had a chilling effect on broadcasters, he added, before saluting the higher-ups at Infinity and Viacom who, even with Mel Karmazin out of the corner office, continue to stand behind him.

"In the face of all of this FCC crap, in the face of being thrown off stations, in the face of being threatened that I'm supposedly not allowed back on in other markets, I am going back on, and I am adding nine new stations," Stern said.

Stern also used the occasion to send a message to the FCC. "This will teach the FCC a lesson that we don't give up," he said. "We are going to fight back. I am not going to satellite."

Like he used to back in the day, Stern also attacked his new competitors. "Clear Channel has to be crapping their pants. They don't want me back on in these markets because I will quickly rise to No. 1 in every one of these markets," he pledged. "The day that I start in Pittsburgh, I'll be No, 1 again. I'm not taking it sitting down. I'm going to kick their asses in Pittsburgh, San Diego, West Palm Beach, Rochester and Orlando.

"The press has been predicting that I'm finished, that the only place left for me is satellite radio and clearly it is not," he continued. "Will the censorship continue? Yes. Will we continue to be having these battles with the FCC? Yes. Will these other companies attempt to keep me off the air? Yes."

Vowing to hang in there until "George W. Bush is out of office," Stern predicted that, "John Kerry will receive more votes as a result of this," and admitted that by adding new affiliates he's making "something of a statement to the FCC."

San Diego fallout: Infinity Classic Hits "The Planet" KPLN/San Diego bumps Woody & Wilcox out of morning drive to make room for Stern after he was removed from CC Active Rock KIOZ. Read the FMQB Story for other markets.

Related Stories:

rronline: Infinity Sues Clear Channel Over Stern Cancellations - More than $10 million in damages sought Clear Channel has been sued by Infinity Broadcasting and One Twelve Inc., the company that places Stern's show on affiliate stations, for violating the terms of the agreements CC had to air The Howard Stern Show in six U.S. markets. Infinity and One Twelve seek more than $10 million in damages, and each accuses Clear Channel of failing to notify it that Stern's show was being dropped - a requirement of the contract. In a statement, Clear Channel EVP/Chief Legal Officer Andy Levin said, "Howard Stern is the only one who has broken the law. His contract explicitly requires his show comply with all FCC rules and regulations. Read the rest of the story here!
Retuers: Infinity Sues Clear Channel

Analysis: KPLN Getting Stern (July 1, 2004)

Meanwhile, a long parade of morning shows came and went on Planet FM, the last being the just-cut Woody and Wilcox, which followed a long string of other hosts where Planet emphasized playing music in the morning as an alternative to the morning show talkers on the other stations. Now that Stern is bumping off the classic rock music in the morning, it's up to KPRI 102.1 to become the adult rock music alternative in the mornings. Anyone keep track of the Planet morning shows?

Now that Planet FM finally has a marquee morning show host with a built-in audience, and Infinity is beefing up the backing of his radio show by putting him on more stations. expect Infinity to use the expected bigger ratings for the Stern-carried stations to bring in more advertising dollars to possibly fund more nationwide big money giveaways.

Now Clear Channel radio, dropping the Stern show because of [insert a reason here], could see the ratings for their competeting owned Stern-less stations erode once the new Infinity stations start up Stern on July 19, as Stern's ratings has an effect like a rising tide lifting up all boats, that is, it lifts up the rest of the dayparts, assuming that classic rock is what the listeners in San Diego really want to hear after Stern ends in San Diego. Some may go to satellite, competeting rock stations, or Internet radio once Stern's show ends for the day.

The biggest loser: The Mikey Show in the morning. I'm predicting that in February 2005 once the Q4 Arbitron book comes in, showing a 0.5 for the Mikey Show, KIOZ will replace him with the syndicated (by sister-arm Premiere Radio Networks) Bob and Tom show on the cheap, which would be a massive improvement in the time slot anyway since that duo (blasted by Mikey) is second to Stern in terms of desired national morning show listening. It doesn't cost that much to vertically-align Bob and Tom on a Clear Channel station.

Ratings for the morning show on KGB may be negligible at worst, but KIOZ will be getting KPLN's former low ratings while KPLN will be getting the numbers KIOZ used to get when it had Stern in the morning. With lack of rock music on in the morning, listeners will be moving over to KPRI 102.1 to get a fix of new and classic rock. I'm not ruling out the possibility that, yes, it's possible that a Mexican-owned radio station will pick up the slack and resurrect "The Eagle" classic rock format so it can play music in the morning as another music alternative.

So to close this analysis, with Howard Stern on KPLN, expect the ratings for the 103.7 frequency to get into the low-3s in the Arbs by the end of the third quarter, and into the low-4s after the fourth quarter ends. Expect some new programming ideas to crop up on The Planet such as an emphasis on more current classic-style rock that you hear on KPRI and Deep Tracks XM 40 to help retain the listeners from going elsewhere once Stern's show ends. KIOZ with its emphasis on new hard rock should suffer a bit in the ratings due to a black hole effect caused by Mikey in the morning competeting with too many veteran morning show hosts, but KIOZ playing new rock music should keep the station above a 2 rating overall.

Forum Chat: KPLN Getting Stern (July 1, 2004)

Subject: What Should The Planet Do? [ Reply ]
Posted by: spinner
Looking at sample hours of KGB and The Planet, they both seem to play the same worn out classic rock tunes. Maybe the planet should appeal to the lower end of the 25-54 demo with a "classic rock that really rocks" format. I think they would have a better retention of Stern listeners if they did, while hurting Rock1053 and KGB at the same time. What do you all think?

Posted by: Benshaton
Howard Stern will bring in a lot of new listeners, but to retain them they should play more current rock, maybe not all as hard as ROCK105. In addition to the new artists they can play recent songs by classic artists like KPRI plays but with more energy than that station.
They could play deeper classic cuts like some that J.M. plays on the vinyl resting place and songs and artists that haven't been heard on the local radio in decades instead of the same Fleetwood Mac songs and aome dozens of other songs day after day while shutting out many of the best rockers.
They'll be some people that grouse about no classic rock music in the morning, but they'll come back later and Stern's listeners won't change the dial if they do that resulting in their demographics not being so narrow.

Posted by: Garrett
Clear-channel has 3, count'em, rock stations. After a month, expect them to be down to two!
Can you say Oldies101.5? I can! Gar-dawg wishes he were here!
BTW: A little trivia for you, this is the 3rd station in Diego that Stern has been on! (hint: it ain't the Flash). Can you name the first one?

Posted by: Crusty_Bob
They do need to do something different if they don't want to have two different radio stations on the same frequency. The Planet has always amazed me with its lame choices in music. When I worked there it seemed like every other song was Fleetwood Mac even though they spent tons of money on a TV and billboard ad campaign that was filled with icons of the 60's and suggested the Planet played some pretty hip music. Of course it didn't and the ad campaign was a bust because anyone who tuned in based on the ads found that the music was nothing like the ads suggested. We had a music director who was nice guy but totally un-hip (I guess he thought the Planet sounded like rock compared to KYXY so that was good enough for him). I think it will require some fundamental changes behind the scenes for the Plant to really rock, and I'm not sure local management has the huevos to shake up the rest of the staff (they're used to jerking around the morning shows, but the people who make the bad programming and music decisions have job security).

Posted by: VillageIdiotXO
If I wanted to listen to talk radio in the morning I would listen to DSC or Jeff and Jer. Howard has his moments but for me he can get monotonous.
If the Planet played some of the songs JM plays on the "Vinyl Resting Place" the station could go places however I get tired of listening to some of the same "classic' rock songs everyday. A little variety is need. There are some GREAT classic songs out there that deserve to be heard everyday and not just on a particular day and time.
I just feel bad for Woody and Wilcox getting the boot. You might not have liked them but they made me laugh and didn't get monotonous for me.
P.S. I remember you Crusty Bob when you were on the Planet! :)

Subject: What will happen to the rest of The Planet? [ Reply ]
Posted by: MGD4Ever
In the contact section of KPLN's web site I can't help but notice that the only on-air personalities that are still listed are Cindy, JM and Tony Martin. Are the rest of them gone?

Posted by: Crusty_Bob
Those remaining will have to swallow their pride knowing that the only thing their bosses could ever think of to increase ratings is to do something to appeal to those males in a state of arrested adolescence who flock to the likes of a Howard Stern. Howard is the ultimate "cool guy" sitting around titillating all of his nerd admirers with tales of things they'll never do and lusty women they'll never get close to: Howard is the god of every pimply fat boy and they'll worship at his altar on the Planet every morning and then turn off the radio. So, it doesn't matter what the Planet does the rest of the day: no one will be listening.

Subject: The Planet Rocks .... [re: Crusty_Bob] [ Reply ]
Posted by: SDRadio
I have to disagree with you on this Bob. Cindy, JM, Dawson, and Tony will have a great lead-in. Howard brings listeners. He could be the hook that keeps 'em there. The live and local talent at Planet FM have a loyal audience. After all, Cindy rocks midays, JM on the FM in the PM is pretty darn goood. Dawson is taking nightime -- gets better numbers than the other classic station in the 25-54 age group. He's a nighttime pulse especially when its Friday night. Tony keeps it tight overnight and needs no no-doze to keep the audience awake.
There is room for Sir Howard in the market. I'm not a fan of his -- but I also know he has his place on the radio dial. It is was refeshing to ear-witness that he still supports radio with ground antennas than those far above the earth. It is a kick, and he is supporting ground-based radio. Planet FM's sales inventory has been nearly 99-percent $old. Now with Howard on board (July 19), the station's return on investment will be recouped -- and as fans email during his dismissal from Rock 105 -- there will be a shift to 103.7. Oh shift!!!
You are right on one aspect, Bob. Planet has to hook 'em in afterwards. I think that Cindy, JM, Dawson, and Tony can do that.
Stay Tuned
See YOU on the radio!

Subject: Re: They'll have to swallow their pride [re: Crusty_Bob] [ Reply ]
Posted by: MGD4Ever
On the contrary. I will avoid Stern's tired old four-hour wining session like the plague and then tune back in for some good music and engaging personalities the rest of the day. My issue is not with stern's decency, or lack thereof. I used to be a huge Stern fan back in the 80s, (High school), and early 90s, (college), but now I can't stand him. I find him incredibly boring and frankly, I'd rather hear music, but no one else seems to want to hear music so now there will be no place to hear classic rock in San Diego in the mornings and that is a real shame. I agree with you that I don't think this was a local decision, but either way we're still stuck with it.

Subject: Dollars beats decency every time... [re: spinner] [ Reply ]
Posted by: Crusty_Bob
I'll bet this was not a local decision: unlike the Clear Channel weasels, the local Infinity folk had kept their dignity and integrity intact until now... now they have to become apologists for the worst of American "popular culture."

RI-Coast to Coast

Subject: Smackdown/2004: Howard Versus Dubya [ Reply ]
Posted by: TonyDiGiulio
i have to ask: since howard stern says he is now focused like a laser beam on the "defeat of george w. bush", because of the president's alleged jihad against him, do you feel that dubya has anything to worry about? or, is howard simply being the king of all hyperbole and simply blowing smoke?
personally, i believe that since howard appeals mostly to white males 18-34, the demographic that usually votes less than many others, his impact will be negligible. I also could be dead wrong and his daily appeal to "dump dubya" could resonate.
from all sides of the political spectrum, i can't wait to see your answers.

Posted by: Tom Desmond
There's a lot of "ifs" that we don't really know the answer to.
The first one is if Stern's listeners take him seriously as a sourece of political information.
If they do, the second question is whether he'll be able to motivate a significant number of them to the polls.
If he can achieve these things, it certainly would help Kerry, since his audience of white men is the sort of demographic group that otherwise tends to favor Bush.
While he historically hasn't done a very political show, it does seem like he may have made a difference in the New Jersey governor's race a number of years back (in that case, favoring a Republican). And his fans do seem to be very fiiercely loyal.
So the answer is that I think he *could* make a difference in November.