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Howard Stern

Howard Stern is an American radio and television personality, author, and media figure best known for The Howard Stern Show.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Howard Stern is an American radio and television personality, author, and media figure best known for The Howard Stern Show. He became widely known for his controversial broadcast style and later moved his show to Sirius XM satellite radio.

Early life and education

Howard Stern was born in 1954 in Roosevelt, New York, and is also identified in sources as being from New York City. Biographical sources describe him as entering broadcasting early and later studying communications at Boston University.

Radio career

Stern became known for his long-running radio program, The Howard Stern Show, which rose to national prominence in the 1980s. After disputes and FCC-related pressure on terrestrial radio, he moved to Sirius satellite radio, where his show began airing in 2006.

Media work beyond radio

In addition to radio, Stern has worked as a television personality, writer, producer, director, and author. Sources also note his role as a judge on America's Got Talent and the success of his books and film work.

Public image and controversies

Stern is strongly associated with shock-jock broadcasting, a style marked by frank, provocative, and often controversial content. His career has included criticism, censorship disputes, and repeated regulatory fines.

Key facts

  • Known for a provocative on-air style that made him one of the best-known radio hosts in the United States.
  • His show gained national syndication on terrestrial radio in the 1980s and later moved to Sirius XM in 2006.
  • He has also written books and appeared on television, including as a judge on America's Got Talent.
  • Stern has been widely associated with the nickname "King of All Media."
  • His broadcasts drew regulatory scrutiny and fines during his terrestrial radio career.
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Canadian context

Howard Stern has had a long North American audience, and his satellite radio presence also made him accessible to Canadian listeners through Sirius XM services available in Canada.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Howard Stern?
Howard Stern is an American radio and television personality best known for The Howard Stern Show and for his controversial broadcast style.
When was Howard Stern born?
He was born on January 12, 1954.
What is Howard Stern best known for?
He is best known for hosting The Howard Stern Show, first on terrestrial radio and later on Sirius XM.
Did Howard Stern work on television?
Yes. He appeared on television and served as a judge on America's Got Talent.
Why is Howard Stern controversial?
His broadcasts often included explicit and provocative content, which drew criticism and regulatory scrutiny during his terrestrial radio career.

References

  1. Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/biography/Howard-Stern
    Supports: Birth date, American radio host identity, and general biography.
  2. Biography.com — https://www.biography.com/celebrities/howard-stern
    Supports: Radio career timeline, Sirius XM move, and television/book work.
  3. TV Guide — https://www.tvguide.com/celebrities/howard-stern/bio/3000449721/
    Supports: Birth name, birthplace, and professional roles.
  4. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001769/bio/
    Supports: Long-running show, Sirius XM broadcasting, and occupational details.
  5. EBSCO Research Starters — https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/biography/howard-stern
    Supports: Communications study, shock-jock reputation, Sirius contract, books, and America's Got Talent role.