Howard STERN is an American radio personality, television host, author, actor, and producer. He is best known for his radio show The Howard STERN Show, which gained popularity when it was nationally syndicated on terrestrial radio from 1986 to 2005. STERN has been the host of the show since its inception in 1979. He is also the host of America's Got Talent, a talent competition show on NBC. STERN is known for his outspoken and often controversial style, which has earned him both praise and criticism.