I've sat and pondered my Howard obsession for years. I had worked at a truck stop in 94 or 95... and in the kitchen there were a crowd of dishwashers that kept a little radio tuned in to Howard. I'd wander by or sometimes have them come yell at me to come listen to a tidbit or two... and before I knew it... I was listening to my own little radio at work.
When the movie came out... I had a revelation... That little scene where they are discussing ratings... and how both the Howard lovers, and Howard haters, had the same commentary. They listened... to see what he'd say next. Back then that pretty much summed it up for me.
I was pretty much an avid fan at that point, but as years passed and he moved from station to station.... all that clear channel and fcc stuff started happening. Me here livin in the boonies of Pennsylvania had one station that broadcast him... sadly... it was a Clear Channel station. No more Howard for me. :\
Occasionally I'd catch a news story, or a broadcast when out of my little valley, and soon realized how I really felt about Howard. Now I admit... I am offended every now and then, but for me it's only momentary. I then take a look at the context behind things and have to sit here and chuckle along.
What I discovered is... Howards philosophy towards his show... is him. He brings to your attention things that are going on... and the injustices of things going on. He puts forth his opinion and I think those who understand that everyone has an opinion, and everyone's is different... it's kinda neat to sit back and have a different thought process for a few.
What have I gained from listening to Howard... well I've gained a helluva comedic view towards life. I learned not to take things too seriously and always mix a little fun into it. Robin's come backs and Howards responses have definitely given me an edge on those who take life a little too seriously.
Howard was seriously missed when the stations around here conceded to the FCC. I'd seriously even considered moving to be closer to a terrestrial signal... I wished and hoped for Howard to win a good fight against the FCC and get himself nationwide again, or at least streamed so I could tune in.
Sirius has answered my wishes... with the help of my newly acquired SR2... I can now get my daily dose of what I call 'REALITY news' unbiased (in it's own way!) commentary, and a different view of a story then what we get on the news..... a good laugh that's defintely welcomed, and I get the crew back.
Will I be listening on Monday.... Hell yes. Will I continue to listen? Hell yes... even if I have to beg for an outlet while livin in a cardboard box behind a radio shack somewhere.
Go Howard... Show the FCC we're Sirius.
And We WILL NOT Be Silenced.
Why I Listen To Howard Stern
Linear Mode
