Stern Extends Howard TV Offer
Registration Problems for Internet Preview Prompt Move
By Steve Donohue -- Multichannel News, 4/26/2007 12:24:00 PM
Howard Stern fans will have a few extra days to check out a free preview of the edgy Howard TV content pay-per-view distributor In Demand and Stern are offering online.
After registration problems blocked many users from accessing the site Wednesday, the first scheduled day of the preview, In Demand and Stern said they plan to extend the offer until May 1.
The Howard TV online preview content -- including several short clips featuring nudity, adult toys and profanity -- requires Web surfers to prove that they’re 18. The lengthy registration process -- which demanded that users list their current and previous home address, date of birth, gender and the sum of the first and last digits of their social-security numbers -- apparently led to the delay.
“We appreciate your patience and we’re sorry for the inconvenience. We will be extending the preview until May 1so you don’t miss any of the fun,” Web-site organizers wrote in a message to users trying to access the site.
Howard TV even includes nudity in the registration process. A still photo of a model that appears clothed in the beginning turns into a nude photo of the model once the application is approved.
In Demand and Stern are using the free online preview in hopes of luring EchoStar Communications and DirecTV customers to Comcast, Time Warner Cable, Cox Communications and other cable operators that distribute the $13.95 monthly Howard TV subscription-video-on-demand package. Satellite subscribers who jump to cable will get three free months of Howard TV, according to the offer.
