Howard Stern to Join 'America's Got Talent'

By Kris Coombs, Christian Post Contributor Thursday, December 15, 2011

After much speculation, shock jock Howard Stern has signed a deal with NBC to sit on the "America's Got Talent" judges’ panel.

Stern, 57, announced the deal Thursday morning on his radio show.

To accommodate their new judge, NBC will move the talent competition show from Los Angeles to New York City, where Stern lives with his wife.

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NBC released a statement confirming the news.

"Howard Stern's larger-than-life personality will bring a thrilling new dynamic to America’s Got Talent starting this summer," said Paul Telegdy, an NBC executive. "He's a proven innovator and his track record in broadcasting is truly remarkable. Howard is very passionate about this show and is fully committed to its future success."

Tim Winter, President of the Parents Control Commission, who previously expressed his disapproval of Stern as a judge on the show, released a statement on Thursday in response to NBC’s decision.

 “In an act of desperation for a flailing network, NBC has hired Howard Stern – a performer who is synonymous with shock, profanity and obscenity – as a judge on a prime-time talent competition,” said Winter. “The once-proud broadcast network has lost its way and has made it clear it holds no concern whatsoever for children and families. It also risks losing millions in advertising dollars. Whatever principles NBC had in the past, when the network was successful, have clearly gone out the window.”

When rumors of Stern replacing Piers Morgan as a judge on "America’s Got Talent" began in November, Stern welcomed the idea.

"I would be an excellent judge. After all, I’ve had a 35 year career,” Stern said in a statement. "I would be good because I would mentor and show people the way."

When asked what actions the commission plans to take next, a statement from Winter was forwarded to The Christian Post saying the commission will be "contacting NBC and putting advertisers on notice to be mindful of the content they'll be associating themselves with."