The Howard Stern Show, a late-night variety television program, aired from 1990 to 1992. Known for its provocative content and boundary-pushing humor, the show was a significant undertaking in terms of
production and syndication. This article explores the behind-the-scenes aspects of the show's production and its journey to national syndication.
The Production Process
The Howard Stern Show was produced with a $100,000 budget that covered all production costs and salaries. The show aired weekly on Saturday nights from WWOR-TV in Secaucus, New Jersey. The production team included executive producers Dan Forman and Robert Woodruff, as well as producers Kevin McMahon, Gary Dell'Abate, and David Sittenfeld.
The show's format was a mix of comedy, interviews, and outrageous segments, similar to Stern's radio show. It featured members of Stern's radio staff, including Robin Quivers, Fred Norris, and Gary Dell'Abate. The program's opening theme was "Midnight Love" by Fifth Angel, setting the tone for its late-night audience. Episodes included live advertisements, a feature carried over from Stern's radio show.
National Syndication
In January 1991, The Howard Stern Show entered national syndication through All American Television. This move expanded its reach beyond New Jersey, allowing audiences across the country to experience Stern's unique brand of entertainment. The syndication process involved replacing live commercial reads with alternate content for markets outside New York City.
The show's syndication was a significant milestone, as it allowed Stern to reach a broader audience and solidify his reputation as a boundary-pushing entertainer. Despite the challenges of syndication, the show managed to air in as many as 65 markets across the country, demonstrating its widespread appeal.
Challenges and Cancellation
Despite its initial success, The Howard Stern Show faced financial challenges. In July 1992, WWOR-TV announced the show's cancellation, citing production costs that exceeded revenues, even at its highest ratings. Stern, however, claimed that it was his decision to end the program due to the station's refusal to provide the necessary budget to improve production quality.
The final episode aired on August 1, 1992, after which WWOR-TV aired repeats. In total, 69 episodes were produced, reaching up to 65 markets across the country. Although the show was short-lived, it left a lasting impact on television and Stern's career.
The Howard Stern Show's television run may have been brief, but it demonstrated the potential for provocative and boundary-pushing content to captivate audiences. The show's production and syndication journey highlight the challenges and triumphs of bringing such a unique program to the small screen.
