Howard Stern, on 'America's Got Talent,' 'Idol,' critics

Howard Stern took on the press this afternoon about his new gig as host of "America's got Talent," and while not a great deal more news out of this than he said in appearances on "Today," "The View," "Late Night with Jimmy Fallon" (below) or in a couple of long outtakes in the New York and LA Times, he was certainly more expansive about his hopes and had some thoughts on his critics too.

  Here are some bulleted highlights:

 "I don't think I'm losing my edge, and on 'AGT," I'm being honest and as long as you're honest, you don't lose your edge. Of the family group, "look at those guys. As far as I'm concerned, there are a couple of absurdities about it. You can't complain about a show until you've seen it.

"Some guy is sitting in his basement calling himself the parent's television council and I don't think there are more than 25 people in this thing - it's a money-raising racket - they would be awfully foolish when they haven't seen the show. I invite them to see whether I'm subversive or whatever it is they imagine me to be.

 "I've been a guest on many late night shows, primetime shows. I know the rules. I was just on 'The View.' Bill Geddie [the producer] comes out and gives me a lecture of what I can say or not say. and I say Bill, I'm 58 years old, I feel like I'm fifteen. Barbara Walters comes in and says "do anythng you want.'"

"The only reason I made it in this business is that I didn't listen to my critics. I tried to be true to my heart. We'll see what happens. Hopefully America will like this and put everyone's fears to rest."