Clear Channel Sues Howard Stern

NEW YORK – Clear Channel Communications has countersued Howard Stern and his distributor, Infinity Broadcasting. Clear Channel’s $3 million countersuit seeks compensation for lost advertising revenue and $1.75 million related to fines that the Federal Communications Commission imposed on the firm due to the shock jock’s alleged indecency violation.

The lawsuit also claims that Stern and Infinity are in breach of contract because they refuse to guarantee they will not further violate FCC decency standards.

In April, Clear Channel dropped Stern’s show from six of its radio stations, and on July 1, Stern’s company, One Twelve Inc., and Infinity sued Clear Channel $10 million for breach of contract in federal court in Manhattan.

San Antonio, Texas-based Clear Channel is America’s largest owner of radio stations.

Stern’s radio show is known for its sex-oriented commentary and frequent guest spots by porn stars, who often bare all for the so-called “king of all media.”

However, Stern contends that Clear Channel has a conservative bias and that its motivation for dropping him is political. Stern claims Clear Channel axed him after he turned against President Bush and the war in Iraq.

The chairman of the FCC - which regulates broadcasting – is Michael Powell, son of Bush’s Secretary of State, Colin Powell. On his website, Stern accused the FCC of a “McCarthy-type witch hunt.” The site went on to say: “It is pretty shocking that governmental interference into our rights and free speech takes place in the U.S. It’s hard to reconcile this with the ‘land of the free’ and the ‘home of the brave.’”

In June, Stern announced that was going to broadcast his program in nine additional markets, including four where he was previously heard on Clear Channel.

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.

NYC Adult Stores Lose Challenge to Zoning Law, May Face Relocation

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 2nd Circuit on Tuesday upheld a lower court’s decision to allow enforcement of a 2001 zoning law aimed at forcing adult retail stores out of most parts of New York City.

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.”

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.

FSC Unpacks SCOTUS Age Verification Ruling in Webinar

The Free Speech Coalition conducted a public webinar Tuesday to help adult industry stakeholders understand the Supreme Court’s recent decision in FSC v. Paxton, and its potential implications.

UK Lawmaker Calls for Appointment of 'Porn Minister'

Baroness Gabrielle Bertin, the Conservative member of Parliament who recently convened a new anti-pornography task force, is calling for the appointment of a “minister for porn,” according to British news outlet The Guardian.

FSC Toasts Jeffrey Douglas for 30 Years of Service

n the very same evening when the adult industry was hit hard by the Supreme Court ruling supporting Texas’ controversial age verification law, HB 1181, members of the Free Speech Coalition board, staff and supporters gathered to celebrate Jeffrey Douglas’ 30 years as board chair — a fitting reflection of his reputation as an eternal optimist.

FSC: Age-Verification Laws Go Into Effect in South Dakota, Georgia, Wyoming on July 1

The Free Speech Coalition (FSC) has published a statement regarding new age verification laws set to go into effect tomorrow in South Dakota, Georgia, and Wyoming.

Show More