Howard Stern Suspended

SAN ANTONIO, Texas – Clear Channel Communications, long under the microscope of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), took it in the teeth this week and was forced to suspend the Howard Stern radio show over allegations of indecency after 'shock jock" Stern interviewed Rick Solomon, the ex-boyfriend of Paris Hilton and co-owner of the famous Hilton sex tape.

The FCC has been on the indecency warpath for quite some time and even prior to the Janet Jackson nipple-bearing incident, the agency was considering ways to increase indecency fines against media companies, in addition to putting a ban on sexually explicit words.

Indecency fines typically cost media outlets $27,000 per show, although the FCC and congress are pushing to increase that number to $275,000 per incident.

FCC indecency rules relate to all references to sexual and excretory functions aired between the hours of 6 a.m. and 10 p.m., the Associated Press reports. The rules don't apply to cable and satellite channels and satellite radio.

Following what is now popularly known as "Nipplegate," the FCC threatened to sue Viacom, the parent company of ABC, $27,500 for each of its 200 affiliate stations that aired the breast bearing stunt.

The Howard Stern show is syndicated by Infinity Broadcasting, a unit of Viacom.

Viacom's Infinity Broadcasting unit was fined $357,500 three months ago for indecency. In 1995, Infinity Broadcasting paid a total of $1.7 million in fines related to the Howard Stern show, the Associated Press reports.

But today's move to take Stern off the air is one of the more dramatic measures the FCC has so far taken in its push to clean up the airwaves.

Clear Channel Radio, a unit of Clear Channel Communications Inc., claims that Stern will be off the air indefinitely while it "assesses the content of his show."

John Hogan, president and CEO of Clear Channel Radio, said in a statement: "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. It [the Solomon show] was vulgar, offensive, and insulting, not just to women and African Americans but to anyone with a sense of common decency."

The National Association of Broadcasters is scheduled to hold a conference on indecency sometime next month.

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

Federal Appeals Court Vacates FTC 'Click to Cancel' Rule Pending Review

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 8th Circuit on Tuesday vacated the Federal Trade Commission’s “click-to-cancel” rule aimed at making it easier for consumers to cancel online subscriptions, pending further review.

FSC Drops Florida AV Lawsuit in Wake of SCOTUS Decision

A U.S. district court judge granted on Tuesday a motion by Free Speech Coalition to dismiss the trade association’s lawsuit over Florida’s age verification law, a case that had been on hold pending the Supreme Court’s recent ruling on the constitutionality of state AV laws.

Ukrainian President Responds to Porn Legalization Petition

President Volodymyr Zelensky responded Tuesday to an OnlyFans model’s petition to decriminalize pornography in Ukraine, stating that he would wait for the legislative process to play out “in accordance with established procedure.”

Only Tax Deductions Joins Pineapple Support as Sponsor

Adult industry accounting firm Only Tax Deductions has joined the ranks of over 70 adult businesses and organizations committing funds and resources to Pineapple Support.

Adult Empire Launches 'Conversations' Podcast Series

Adult Empire has launched a new official podcast series hosted by Nicole Chappelle and Charlie.

Sex Work CEO Launches 'Teams Plan' for AI Assistant

Sex Work CEO has introduced the new Teams Plan for its AI-powered, NSFW text generator, GPTease.

2025 XBIZ Amsterdam Website Launches With Call for Speakers

XBIZ is pleased to announce that the website for its annual European conference, XBIZ Amsterdam, is now live.

NC Governor Vetoes Bill Targeting Adult Industry, Override Possible

North Carolina Governor Josh Stein today vetoed a bill imposing new regulations that adult industry observers have warned could push adult websites and platforms to ban most adult creators and content.

25,000 Sign Petition to Legalize Pornography in Ukraine

An OnlyFans model’s petition to decriminalize pornography in Ukraine has amassed the 25,000 signatures required for official consideration by President Volodymyr Zelensky.

WannaCollab Joins Pineapple Support as Supporter-Level Sponsor

WannaCollab has joined the ranks of over 70 adult businesses and organizations committing funds and resources to Pineapple Support.

Show More