Leno show hires Stern sidekick

Jay Leno’s new announcer on NBC’s “The Tonight Show” will be John Melendez from Howard Stern’s radio show, a spokeswoman said.

Melendez, known as “Stuttering John” to Stern listeners because of a speech impediment, will start March 29, replacing Edd Hall, who’s leaving the show after 12 years to concentrate on doing movies. Melendez is working with a speech coach to help with his announcing, a “Tonight Show” spokeswoman said.

From Associated Press