Howard Stern to Judge “America's Got Talent”

Production of the reality show will move to New York

Howard Stern has stepped up to take the place of outgoing "America's Got Talent" judge Piers Morgan.

The announcement came early Thursday from the president of Alternative and Late Night Programming at NBC, Paul Telegdy. "Howard Stern's larger-than-life personality will bring a thrilling new dynamic to ‘America’s Got Talent’ starting this summer,” Telegdy said. “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.”

The Parents Television Council, which has a long history of face-offs with the shock jock, was quick to voice its disapproval.

“The once-proud broadcast network has lost its way and has made it clear it holds no concern whatsoever for children and families," Tim Winter, President of the group said, according to the Wall Street Journal. "Whatever principles NBC had in the past, when the network was successful, have clearly gone out the window.”

Stern isn't pulling back. He announced the new gig Thursday morning on his Sirius XM radio show, which he'll continue to host when production gets underway next year.

The talent competition, which had been based in Los Angeles for its first six seasons, will move production to New York where Stern's radio show is located.

Rumors first emerged that Stern was in the running to join Sharon Osborne and Howie Mandel on the talent panel last month when Morgan announced he'd be leaving to focus on his CNN talk show "Piers Morgan Tonight," and reports emerged that NBC reached out to Stern.

"America's Got Talent," one of the most hightly-rated network shows each summer has already kicked off auditions for its seventh season.

Selected Reading: The Wall Street Journal

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