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Powell appeared on Ronn Owens's morning show for a widely publicized interview. He initially did not plan to field calls from listeners, but eventually he relented. That was all the opening Stern needed.
During the more than 10-minute conversation, Stern peppered the agency head with questions about his qualifications and what Stern perceives as a double standard in broadcasting. For example, the raunchy DJ asked, how come Oprah could discuss certain subjects on the air but he could not?
Stern also said that Powell, who was appointed by former President Bill Clinton but was made chairman by President Bush, got his job due to the fact that his father is Secretary of State Colin Powell.
"You got to the front of the class the way George W. Bush got out of the draft," Stern said, according to a transcript quoted by New York's Daily News.
Powell denied favoritism in obtaining his post and urged Stern to "look at my résumé if you want."
Although Powell was not prepared for the confrontation, a producer for the radio show said he handled himself well even though he appeared to be tense. His staff, however, reportedly was upset at the exchange.
Stern, whose show has received the heaviest fines from the FCC totally nearly $2.5 million, is leaving traditional radio in 2006 to appear on Sirius Satellite Radio.
