Clear Channel Plans Stern Countersuit

Clear Channel Communications Inc. will file a lawsuit against Howard Stern and his distributor, Infinity Broadcasting, claiming the shock jock breached his contract by airing indecent programs, a source close to the company said.

The source said Clear Channel would file a $3-million countersuit to a $10-million federal lawsuit filed in New York by Stern’s One Twelve company and Infinity.

Stern and Infinity claimed Clear Channel had broken its contract with them when it dumped Stern’s show from six stations it owns after fines against Stern by the Federal Communications Commission.

Shares of San Antonio-based Clear Channel closed up 49 cents to $34.80 on Nasdaq.