It’s no secret that Howard Stern is one of the most successful media personalities of all time. He’s broken new ground on many levels. In many ways Stern invented reality programming. He’s always made his life, and the lives of those that work with him, an open book. This approach has made his show immensely entertaining to millions around the country for nearly three decades. A big part of his success is that he took many risks throughout his career. This innovation has paid off. He could have easily stayed on terrestrial radio, instead he ventured off to new mediums. For the last four years, Stern has maintained two channels on Sirius XM satellite radio. He’s also launched his own cable on-demand network appropriately named Howard TV. The network runs edited video segments from the radio show, as well as original programming. Many of these programs feature antics from behind the scenes at the show. However, one program is a fictitious account of what happens off the air. The concept for the program was conceived by one of The Stern Show’s producers, Sal “The Stock Broker” Governale.
Sal Governale was once a stockbroker who spent much of his time listening, calling, and pranking on The Stern Show. His dedication paid off when he was hired by Stern as a producer. Besides coming up with content for the Howard Stern Radio Show, he has also tried his hand at developing programming for Howard TV. “Show In The Hall” is his creation. It’s a program that is based on made-up accounts of what happens on the hallways of the show- between, during, and after its airing. The program is mostly unscripted and has a “Curb Your Enthusiasm” feel. Here, the Stern staffer answers questions about his role on both “The Howard Stern Show” and Howard TV.
Describe your creative work on the show.
Everyday we create content for the show such as songs, prank calls, bits, games, street interviews. I write lines for Evil Dave, Gary Garver interviews. I come up with segment ideas, write jokes for Howard, log times on all media played, (and) listen to submitted material. Everyday we try to come up with new ideas.
Can you describe how the concept for “Show in the Hall” came about?
I’m a big fan of “Curb…” I wanted to take the element of improv and apply it to the show. I never pitched it. I filmed the first one on my own time and with my own money, and then presented it to Howard. That was episode one from season one. Howard liked the concept and that’s how it got off the ground.
Once a script is written for an episode, do senior cast members (Robin, Howard, Fred) make revisions to their scenes? Has anyone ever declined to do something on an episode?
No one has made revisions, but since it’s improved, we do multiple takes. I will explain the premise and tell them what lines I would like in the improv, and they take it from there. No one has turned down parts for the show, and I’m extremely grateful for their time and hard work.
Does the entire cast do a read through, or do they rehearse on their own?
We send out a scene schedule a week prior to taping so they can rehearse on their own time if they prefer.
Can you discuss some of the technical aspects of the show: How many cameras? How long to shoot and edit?
Three to four (cameras). We shot all 4 episodes over the course of two months. One to two weeks (to get on the air).
On demand programming is a big part of the future of television, do you believe that this service will be offered in the near future on the Howard TV website or even via podcast?
I hope so. The more outlets for the fans the better.
Are you working on any other programs?
There are always ideas in the works. Between the sitcom, the radio show and standup comedy on the weekends (about three shows per month) my plate is pretty full at the moment. I want to continue writing and producing for The Howard Stern Show and continue to do my best at standup.
Any closing comments?
Thanks to everyone for their kind words. The fans really are great!
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