Howard Stern attacks FCC Chairman Michael Powell

Shock jock Howard Stern ambushed FCC Chairman Michael Powell on the radio yesterday and, in a tough, 12-minute give-and-take, he belittled the bureaucrat and accused him of waging a political vendetta.

"It's not a cheap shot to say to you that your father got you your position," Stern told Powell, who is the son of &to=http:// english.pravda.ru/main/2003/03/01/43889.html ' target=_blank>Colin Powell, the secretary of state.

"You got to the front of the class the way &to=http:// english.pravda.ru/mailbox/22/98/387/11284_politics.html ' target=_blank>George W. Bushgot out of the draft."

But Powell gave as good as he got and defended both his "credentials" and federal regulators' decision to slam Stern with record fines for his raunchy on-air antics, informs New York Daily News.

"How did you get your job? It is apparent to most of us in broadcasting that your father got you your job, and you kind of sit there and you're the judge, you're the arbiter, you're the one who tells us what we can and can't say on the air," Stern said.

"And yet I really don't even think you're qualified to be the head of the commission."

Powell defended himself rigorously, stating, "You can look at my resume if you want, Howard, I'm not ashamed of it, I think it justifies my existence."