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| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1966|4|23|mf=y}}
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1966|4|23|mf=y}}
| birth_place = [[Warsaw, Indiana]], U.S.
| birth_place = [[Warsaw, Indiana]], U.S.
| occupation = {{flatlist|
| occupation = Radio personality
*Radio personality
*Producer
*Actor}}
| years_active = 1986–present
| years_active = 1986–present
| children = 1
| spouse = Heather Cole (2007–2011)
| spouse = Heather Cole (2007–2011)
| website = {{URL|www.btls.com}}
| website = {{URL|https://thebubbaarmy.com}}
}}
}}


'''Bubba the Love Sponge Clem''' (born '''Todd Alan Clem''', April 23, 1966) is an American radio personality who hosts ''The Bubba the Love Sponge Show'' on the radio station [[WWBA]] in Tampa, Florida, and the subscription service Bubba Army Radio.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.radioio.com/btls/|title=All the latest from Bubba Army Radio|publisher=radioio|access-date=February 12, 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130216095830/http://www.radioio.com/btls/|archive-date=February 16, 2013|df=mdy-all}}</ref> He can also be heard on Florida Man Radio.
'''Bubba the Love Sponge Clem<ref name="SPTIMES20040324" />''' (born '''Todd Alan Clem''', April 23, 1966) is an American radio personality who hosts ''The Bubba the Love Sponge Show'' on the radio station [[WWBA]] in Tampa, Florida, and the subscription service Bubba Army Radio.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.radioio.com/btls/|title=All the latest from Bubba Army Radio|publisher=radioio|access-date=February 12, 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130216095830/http://www.radioio.com/btls/|archive-date=February 16, 2013|df=mdy-all}}</ref> He can also be heard on Florida Man Radio.


==Early life==
==Early life==
Todd Alan Clem was born on April 23, 1966 in [[Warsaw, Indiana]].<ref name=name>{{cite web |url=http://www.zimbio.com/Todd+Alan+Clem+AKA+Bubba+The+Love+Sponge/articles/PSy6Bum_9sG/BUBBA+THE+LOVE+SPONGE+BTLS+COM |title=Bubba the Love Sponge Btls.com |last=Ringler |first=Lance |date=October 26, 2011 |publisher=Zimbio |access-date=February 12, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120204050641/http://www.zimbio.com/Todd%2BAlan%2BClem%2BAKA%2BBubba%2BThe%2BLove%2BSponge/articles/PSy6Bum_9sG/BUBBA%2BTHE%2BLOVE%2BSPONGE%2BBTLS%2BCOM |archive-date=February 4, 2012}}</ref> His father was a factory worker and his mother, Jane Edmond, a schoolbus driver and Warsaw city department head; he has a sister, Tara.<ref name=HAPPENED2018>{{cite web|url=http://www.tampabay.com/investigations/2018/10/26/what-happened-to-bubba-the-love-sponge-2/|title=What happened to Bubba the Love Sponge?|first=Christopher|last=Spata|date=26 October 2018|work=Tampa Bay Times|access-date=27 October 2018}}</ref><ref name=TBT19990512/><ref name=WAYNE06>{{cite web|url=http://www.fortwayne.com/mld/journalgazette/16175375.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061209003033/http://www.fortwayne.com/mld/journalgazette/16175375.htm|title=Bubba's mom makes Sirius meatloaf|first=Ryan|last=DuVall|date=December 6, 2006|archive-date=December 9, 2006|publisher=FortWayne|access-date=October 27, 2018}}</ref> Clem's parents divorced when he was young.<ref name=ORLANDO91/> In 1984, Clem graduated from [[Warsaw Community High School]].<ref name=TBT19990512/> He attended [[Indiana State University]] in [[Terre Haute, Indiana]], with a plan to go into dentistry, but his best friend Larry Plummer told him he was better suited to a radio career, and he dropped out in his second year.<ref name=TAMPA93>{{cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/image/324087934|title=Unknown title|date=27 June 1993|newspaper=Tampa Bay Times|pages=1, 6|first=Anne V.|last=Hull|via=[[Newspapers.com]]|access-date=27 October 2018}}{{subscription required}}</ref><ref name=TBT19990512/> Clem had a position at the campus radio station [[WISU]], but before he became a full-time disc jockey, he worked at a van conversion shop, where he laid down carpets. He coached football at his former high school.<ref name=TBT19990512/>
Todd Alan Clem was born on April 23, 1966, in [[Warsaw, Indiana]].<ref name=name>{{cite web |url=http://www.zimbio.com/Todd+Alan+Clem+AKA+Bubba+The+Love+Sponge/articles/PSy6Bum_9sG/BUBBA+THE+LOVE+SPONGE+BTLS+COM |title=Bubba the Love Sponge Btls.com |last=Ringler |first=Lance |date=October 26, 2011 |publisher=Zimbio |access-date=February 12, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120204050641/http://www.zimbio.com/Todd%2BAlan%2BClem%2BAKA%2BBubba%2BThe%2BLove%2BSponge/articles/PSy6Bum_9sG/BUBBA%2BTHE%2BLOVE%2BSPONGE%2BBTLS%2BCOM |archive-date=February 4, 2012}}</ref> His father, Doug Clem, was a factory worker and his mother, Jane Edmond, a schoolbus driver and Warsaw city department head; he has a sister, Tara.<ref name=HAPPENED2018>{{cite web|url=https://www.tampabay.com/investigations/2018/10/26/what-happened-to-bubba-the-love-sponge-2/|title=What happened to Bubba the Love Sponge?|first=Christopher|last=Spata|date=26 October 2018|work=Tampa Bay Times|access-date=27 October 2018}}</ref><ref name=TBT19990512/><ref name=WAYNE06>{{cite web|url=http://www.fortwayne.com/mld/journalgazette/16175375.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061209003033/http://www.fortwayne.com/mld/journalgazette/16175375.htm|title=Bubba's mom makes Sirius meatloaf|first=Ryan|last=DuVall|date=December 6, 2006|archive-date=December 9, 2006|publisher=FortWayne|access-date=October 27, 2018}}</ref> Clem's parents divorced when he was young.<ref name=ORLANDO91/> In 1984, Clem graduated from [[Warsaw Community High School]].<ref name=TBT19990512/> He attended [[Indiana State University]] in [[Terre Haute, Indiana]], with a plan to go into dentistry, but his best friend Larry Plummer told him he was better suited to a radio career, and he dropped out in his second year.<ref name=TAMPA93>{{cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/image/324087934|title=Unknown title|date=27 June 1993|newspaper=Tampa Bay Times|pages=1, 6|first=Anne V.|last=Hull|via=[[Newspapers.com]]|access-date=27 October 2018}}{{subscription required}}</ref><ref name=TBT19990512/> Clem had a position at the campus radio station [[WISU]], but before he became a full-time disc jockey, he worked at a van conversion shop, where he laid down carpets. He coached football at his former high school.<ref name=TBT19990512/>


==Career==
==Career==
===1986–1992: Early career===
===1986–1992: Early career===
In 1986, Clem worked as a bouncer and driver at Jubilation nightclub, where he picked up radio DJ "Scary" Kerry Gray, of whom he was a fan, and took him to the club. Once there, Clem noticed people gravitating toward Gray.<ref name=HAPPENED2018/><ref name=ALLACCESS2010>{{cite web|url=https://www.allaccess.com/power-player/archive/5871/bubba-the-love-sponge-sup-tm-sup|title=Power Player – Bubba The Love Sponge|publisher=All Access Music Group|date=February 9, 2010|access-date=27 October 2018}}</ref> Gray gave Clem an on-air shift as an [[April Fool's Day]] joke on April 1, 1986, at [[WPFR-FM]] in Terre Haute as Rockin' Bubba Clem, a name someone else had suggested.<ref name=HAPPENED2018/><ref name=TBT19990512/><ref name=ALLACCESS2016>{{cite web|url=https://www.allaccess.com/net-news/archive/story/151449/a-gofundme-page-has-been-set-up-to-help-kerry-gray|title=A GoFundMe Page Has Been Set Up To Help Kerry Gray|publisher=All Access Music Group|date=March 11, 2016|access-date=27 October 2018}}</ref> Clem became Gray's intern, making studio visits, answering phone calls, and sitting in on the show. He accepted a position hosting weekends soon after, and began a part-time midday shift starting on Christmas Day in 1986. He became the station's managing director.{{when}}<ref name=ALLACCESS2010/> At a fraternity party, Gray called Clem a "love sponge" after witnessing the female attention Clem received.<ref name=HAPPENED2018/><ref name=PODCAST2015/>
In 1986, Clem worked as a bouncer and driver at Jubilation nightclub, where he picked up radio DJ "Scary" Kerry Gray, of whom he was a fan, and took him to the club. Once there, Clem noticed people gravitating toward Gray.<ref name=HAPPENED2018/><ref name=ALLACCESS2010>{{cite web|url=https://www.allaccess.com/power-player/archive/5871/bubba-the-love-sponge-sup-tm-sup|title=Power Player – Bubba The Love Sponge|publisher=All Access Music Group|date=February 9, 2010|access-date=27 October 2018}}</ref> Gray gave Clem an on-air shift as an [[April Fool's Day]] joke on April 1, 1986, at [[WEHP (FM)|WPFR-FM]] in Terre Haute as Rockin' Bubba Clem, a name someone else had suggested.<ref name=HAPPENED2018/><ref name=TBT19990512/><ref name=ALLACCESS2016>{{cite web|url=https://www.allaccess.com/net-news/archive/story/151449/a-gofundme-page-has-been-set-up-to-help-kerry-gray|title=A GoFundMe Page Has Been Set Up To Help Kerry Gray|publisher=All Access Music Group|date=March 11, 2016|access-date=27 October 2018}}</ref> Clem became Gray's intern, making studio visits, answering phone calls, and sitting in on the show. He accepted a position hosting weekends soon after, and began a part-time midday shift starting on Christmas Day in 1986. He became the station's managing director.{{when|date=February 2023}}<ref name=ALLACCESS2010/> At a fraternity party, Gray called Clem a "love sponge" after witnessing the female attention Clem received.<ref name=HAPPENED2018/><ref name=PODCAST2015/>


After WPFR, Clem had a stint at [[WGRD-FM]] in [[Grand Rapids, Michigan]].<ref name=PODCAST2015>{{cite web|url=https://jacobsmedia.com/worldwide-radio-summit-podcast-syndicated-morning-radio-host-bubba-love-sponge/|title=Podcast Interview: Radio Host Bubba the Love Sponge|date=17 November 2015|publisher=Jacobs Media|first=Seth|last=Resler|access-date=27 October 2018}}</ref> He was fired on December 21, 1988, after a 13-year-old girl called into his show and Clem made sexual remarks about her.<ref>''The Grand Rapids Press'', December 16, 1988</ref><ref>''The Grand Rapids Press'', December 22, 1988</ref> In 1989, Clem landed a spot at [[KTFM]] in San Antonio, Texas, where he was encouraged to trademark his air name and borrowed $5,000 from his parents to file a federal trademark for "Bubba the Love Sponge".<ref name=ALLACCESS2010/><ref name=HAPPENED2018/> He worked evenings at [[WBBM-FM]] in Chicago, followed by a stint at [[WIOQ]] in Philadelphia from March to June 1990. The station let him go as management thought his style was not what they were looking for.<ref name=WLS/> Clem took legal action, and received $75,000 from WIOQ.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/image/176378449/|title=A major-league lineup for AM listeners|first=Kevin L.|last=Carter|page=6-E|newspaper=The Philadelphia Inquirer|via=[[Newspapers.com]]|access-date=28 October 2018}}{{subscription required}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/image/174773205/|title=A move to New York for WCAU manager?|first=Joe|last=Logan|page=6-D|date=18 June 1990|newspaper=The Philadelphia Inquirer|via=[[Newspapers.com]]|access-date=28 October 2018}}</ref>
After WPFR, Clem had a stint at [[WGRD-FM]] in [[Grand Rapids, Michigan]].<ref name=PODCAST2015>{{cite web|url=https://jacobsmedia.com/worldwide-radio-summit-podcast-syndicated-morning-radio-host-bubba-love-sponge/|title=Podcast Interview: Radio Host Bubba the Love Sponge|date=17 November 2015|publisher=Jacobs Media|first=Seth|last=Resler|access-date=27 October 2018}}</ref> He was fired on December 21, 1988, after a 13-year-old girl called into his show and Clem made sexual remarks about her.<ref>''The Grand Rapids Press'', December 16, 1988</ref><ref>''The Grand Rapids Press'', December 22, 1988</ref> In 1989, Clem landed a spot at [[KTFM]] in San Antonio, Texas, where he was encouraged to trademark his air name and borrowed $5,000 from his parents to file a federal trademark for "Bubba the Love Sponge".<ref name=ALLACCESS2010/><ref name=HAPPENED2018/> He worked evenings at [[WBBM-FM]] in Chicago, followed by a stint at [[WIOQ]] in Philadelphia from March to June 1990. The station let him go as management thought his style was not what they were looking for.<ref name=WLS/> Clem took legal action, and received $75,000 from WIOQ.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/image/176378449/|title=A major-league lineup for AM listeners|first=Kevin L.|last=Carter|page=6-E|newspaper=The Philadelphia Inquirer|via=[[Newspapers.com]]|access-date=28 October 2018}}{{subscription required}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/image/174773205/|title=A move to New York for WCAU manager?|first=Joe|last=Logan|page=6-D|date=18 June 1990|newspaper=The Philadelphia Inquirer|via=[[Newspapers.com]]|access-date=28 October 2018}}</ref>


Clem worked nights at [[WXXL]] in Orlando, Florida, where he averaged 53,000 regular listeners.<ref name=ORLANDO91>{{cite web|url=http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/1991-05-26/news/9105241230_1_love-sponge-bubba-the-love-parents|title=Bubba The Love Sponge: There's More to This Disc Jockey Than His Foul Mouth|work=Orlando Sentinel|date=May 26, 1991|first=David|last=Smith|access-date=27 October 2018}}</ref> He left the station in May 1991.<ref name=NP651>{{cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/image/231013651/|title=Format change leaves Bubba in the cold|first=Catherine|last=Hinman|page=E-2|date=16 November 1991|newspaper=The Orlando Sentinel|via=[[Newspapers.com]]|access-date=28 October 2018}}{{subscription required}}</ref> In August 1991, he returned to Chicago on [[WLS-FM|WYZT]] as the morning host, but the position lasted under three months before management rebranded the station.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/image/389539568/|title=WYZT's Love Sponge|first=Dan|last=Kening|page=2|date=24 September 1991|newspaper=Chicago Tribune|via=[[Newspapers.com]]|access-date=28 October 2018}}{{subscription required}}</ref><ref name=WLS>{{cite web|url=https://www.wlshistory.com/new/947.htm|title=A quick history lesson on Chicago's 94.7 FM|publisher=WLS History|access-date=27 October 2018}}</ref><ref name=NP651/> Clem then moved to [[WLUM-FM]] in [[Milwaukee, Wisconsin]].<ref>{{cite web | url=http://onmilwaukee.com/articles/milwaukeequiz.html?viewall=1 | title=The Great Milwaukee Quiz | publisher=On Milwaukee | date=August 23, 2007 | url-status=live | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160822132823/http://onmilwaukee.com/articles/milwaukeequiz.html?viewall=1 | archive-date=August 22, 2016 | df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref name=SPTIMES20040324/><ref>{{cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/image/343651689/|title=On the agenda: Wrestling|page=2B|date=12 June 1992|newspaper=The Journal Times|location=Racine, Wisconsin|via=[[Newspapers.com]]|access-date=28 October 2018}}{{subscription required}}</ref>
Clem worked nights at [[WXXL]] in Orlando, Florida, where he averaged 53,000 regular listeners.<ref name=ORLANDO91>{{cite web|url=https://www.orlandosentinel.com/1991/05/26/bubba-the-love-sponge-theres-more-to-this-disc-jockey-than-his-foul-mouth/|title=Bubba The Love Sponge: There's More to This Disc Jockey Than His Foul Mouth|work=Orlando Sentinel|date=May 26, 1991|first=David|last=Smith|access-date=27 October 2018}}</ref> He left the station in May 1991.<ref name=NP651>{{cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/image/231013651/|title=Format change leaves Bubba in the cold|first=Catherine|last=Hinman|page=E-2|date=16 November 1991|newspaper=The Orlando Sentinel|via=[[Newspapers.com]]|access-date=28 October 2018}}{{subscription required}}</ref> In August 1991, he returned to Chicago on [[WLS-FM|WYTZ]] as the morning host, but the position lasted under three months before management rebranded the station.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/image/389539568/|title=WYZT's Love Sponge|first=Dan|last=Kening|page=2|date=24 September 1991|newspaper=Chicago Tribune|via=[[Newspapers.com]]|access-date=28 October 2018}}{{subscription required}}</ref><ref name=WLS>{{cite web|url=https://www.wlshistory.com/new/947.htm|title=A quick history lesson on Chicago's 94.7 FM|publisher=WLS History|access-date=27 October 2018}}</ref><ref name=NP651/> Clem then moved to [[WLUM-FM]] in [[Milwaukee, Wisconsin]].<ref>{{cite web | url=http://onmilwaukee.com/articles/milwaukeequiz.html?viewall=1 | title=The Great Milwaukee Quiz | publisher=On Milwaukee | date=August 23, 2007 | url-status=live | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160822132823/http://onmilwaukee.com/articles/milwaukeequiz.html?viewall=1 | archive-date=August 22, 2016 | df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref name=SPTIMES20040324/><ref>{{cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/image/343651689/|title=On the agenda: Wrestling|page=2B|date=12 June 1992|newspaper=The Journal Times|location=Racine, Wisconsin|via=[[Newspapers.com]]|access-date=28 October 2018}}{{subscription required}}</ref>


===1992–1996: WFLZ-FM Tampa===
===1992–1996: WFLZ-FM Tampa===
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In June 1997, [[Jacor Communications]] was fined $4,000 for airing Clem's discussions of having sex with a lesbian couple on February 25.<ref name=FINESLIST>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/business/graphics/web-fcc970.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111016035918/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/business/graphics/web-fcc970.html|archive-date=16 October 2011|title= FCC Indecency Fines, 1970–2004|access-date=November 12, 2009|first=Ahrens |last=Frank|url-status=dead|newspaper=The Washington Post}}</ref> In October 1998, [[Taft Broadcasting|Citicasters]], WXTB's owner, was fined $23,000 for various broadcasts, including one from May 1997 that included one of the crew describing their enema experience.<ref name=TBT19990512/><ref name=FINESLIST/> This was followed by a $4,000 fine for a June 12, 1997, show that had a woman masturbating over the phone, and a $7,000 fine in 1999 for a May 28, 1998, segment that involved a caller ordering a sex doll.<ref name=FINESLIST/>
In June 1997, [[Jacor Communications]] was fined $4,000 for airing Clem's discussions of having sex with a lesbian couple on February 25.<ref name=FINESLIST>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/business/graphics/web-fcc970.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111016035918/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/business/graphics/web-fcc970.html|archive-date=16 October 2011|title= FCC Indecency Fines, 1970–2004|access-date=November 12, 2009|first=Ahrens |last=Frank|url-status=dead|newspaper=The Washington Post}}</ref> In October 1998, [[Taft Broadcasting|Citicasters]], WXTB's owner, was fined $23,000 for various broadcasts, including one from May 1997 that included one of the crew describing their enema experience.<ref name=TBT19990512/><ref name=FINESLIST/> This was followed by a $4,000 fine for a June 12, 1997, show that had a woman masturbating over the phone, and a $7,000 fine in 1999 for a May 28, 1998, segment that involved a caller ordering a sex doll.<ref name=FINESLIST/>


By mid-1999, Clem had received four ''Billboard'' Personality of the Year awards.<ref name=TBT19990512/> He was earning six figures{{vague|reason=six figures can mean 100,000 or 999,999}} and owned two nightclubs, one of them Planet Bubba in Spring Hill. His radio show crew included Mike "Cowhead" Calta, Mike "Manson" Waters,<ref name=HAPPENED2018/> Whitey Pippen, Scotty the Body, and Anita Wadd.<ref name=TBT19990512/> In November 2000, Clem was a candidate to succeed the [[Pinellas County]] sheriff.<ref name=TBT19990512>{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/326834098|title=The Mouth That Roars|first=Tom|last=Zucco|date=12 May 1999|newspaper=Floridian|pages=1, 3|via=[[Newspapers.com]]|access-date=27 October 2018}}{{subscription required}}</ref>
By mid-1999, Clem had received four ''Billboard'' Personality of the Year awards.<ref name=TBT19990512/> He was earning six figures{{vague|reason=six figures can mean 100,000 or 999,999|date=February 2023}} and owned two nightclubs, one of them Planet Bubba in Spring Hill. His radio show crew included Mike "Cowhead" Calta, Mike "Manson" Waters,<ref name=HAPPENED2018/> Whitey Pippen, Scotty the Body, Matt "Spiceboy" Loyd, Anita Wadd and Ned.<ref name=TBT19990512/> In November 2000, Clem was a candidate to succeed the [[Pinellas County]] sheriff.<ref name=TBT19990512>{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/326834098|title=The Mouth That Roars|first=Tom|last=Zucco|date=12 May 1999|newspaper=Floridian|pages=1, 3|via=[[Newspapers.com]]|access-date=27 October 2018}}{{subscription required}}</ref>


In January 2001, Clem's show entered national syndication on stations in [[Jacksonville]], [[Orlando]], [[Hartford]], [[West Palm Beach]], [[Ft. Myers]], [[Wichita, Kansas]], [[Shreveport]], and [[Macon, Georgia]].
In January 2001, Clem's show entered national syndication on stations in [[Jacksonville]], [[Orlando, Florida|Orlando]], [[Hartford]], [[West Palm Beach]], [[Ft. Myers]], [[Wichita, Kansas]], [[Shreveport]], and [[Macon, Georgia]].


In February 2002, Clem was faced with animal cruelty charges following the February 27, 2001, broadcast, which featured the Bubba's Road Kill Barbecue. The show involved the on-air castration and killing of a feral hog a hunter had captured in the station's parking lot, and sound effects of hogs feeding were broadcast to have listeners believe it was being harassed and aggravated. The hog was cooked and eaten by the crowd present. Clem, his executive producer Brent Hatley, and two others present were charged with felony animal cruelty.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://edition.cnn.com/2002/LAW/02/25/ctv.florida.bubba.suit/index.html |work=CNN News |title=Florida shock jock faces animal cruelty charges |date=2002-02-25}}</ref> A jury acquitted them in March.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.sptimes.com/2002/03/01/TampaBay/Cleared_of_cruelty__D.shtml |work=St. Petersburg Times |title=Cleared of cruelty, DJ vows revenge |date=2002-03-01}}</ref>
In February 2002, Clem was faced with animal cruelty charges following the February 27, 2001, broadcast, which featured the Bubba's Road Kill Barbecue. The show involved the on-air castration and killing of a feral hog a hunter had captured in the station's parking lot, and sound effects of hogs feeding were broadcast to have listeners believe it was being harassed and aggravated. The hog was cooked and eaten by the crowd present. Clem, his executive producer Brent Hatley, and two others present were charged with felony animal cruelty.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://edition.cnn.com/2002/LAW/02/25/ctv.florida.bubba.suit/index.html |work=CNN News |title=Florida shock jock faces animal cruelty charges |date=2002-02-25}}</ref> A jury acquitted them in March.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.sptimes.com/2002/03/01/TampaBay/Cleared_of_cruelty__D.shtml |work=St. Petersburg Times |title=Cleared of cruelty, DJ vows revenge |date=2002-03-01}}</ref>


In January 2004, the FCC issued a $755,000 fine to [[Clear Channel Communications]] for objectionable comments from July 19, 2001.<ref name=FINESLIST/> The fine consisted of the maximum $27,500 fine for each of the 26 stations that aired the segments, plus $40,000 for record-keeping violations. The segment involved sexual discussions among the cartoon characters [[Alvin and the Chipmunks]], [[George Jetson]], and [[Scooby-Doo]], among others.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2004/01/27/tech/main596334.shtml |work=CBS News |title=FCC Issues Steep Indecency Fines |date=2004-01-27}}</ref> Clem was fired on February 23. At the time he had the number one show in the Tampa area in the 18–54-year-old male demographic.<ref name=SPTIMES20040324/><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.poynter.org/uncategorized/21260/lets-get-clear-channel-about-indecency/ |work=Poynter |title=Let's Get Clear (Channel) About Indecency |date=2004-02-26 |access-date=December 27, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924115726/http://www.poynter.org/uncategorized/21260/lets-get-clear-channel-about-indecency/ |archive-date=September 24, 2015 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }}</ref>
In January 2004, the FCC issued a $755,000 fine to [[Clear Channel Communications]] for objectionable comments from July 19, 2001.<ref name=FINESLIST/> The fine consisted of the maximum $27,500 fine for each of the 26 stations that aired the segments, plus $40,000 for record-keeping violations. The segment involved sexual discussions among the cartoon characters [[Alvin and the Chipmunks]], [[George Jetson]], and [[Scooby-Doo]], among others.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/fcc-issues-steep-indecency-fines/ |work=CBS News |title=FCC Issues Steep Indecency Fines |date=2004-01-27}}</ref> Clem was fired on February 23. At the time he had the number one show in the Tampa area in the 18–54-year-old male demographic.<ref name=SPTIMES20040324/><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.poynter.org/uncategorized/21260/lets-get-clear-channel-about-indecency/ |work=Poynter |title=Let's Get Clear (Channel) About Indecency |date=2004-02-26 |access-date=December 27, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924115726/http://www.poynter.org/uncategorized/21260/lets-get-clear-channel-about-indecency/ |archive-date=September 24, 2015 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }}</ref>


===2004–2010: Hiatus and Sirius Satellite Radio===
===2004–2010: Hiatus and Sirius Satellite Radio===
In July 2004, Clem announced he would run for Pinellas County sheriff again.<ref name=TBT20040717>{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/329744701|title=Bubba files to run for sheriff of Pinellas|first=Michael|last=van Sickler|date=17 July 2004|newspaper=Tampa Bay Times|page=32|via=[[Newspapers.com]]|access-date=27 October 2018}}{{subscription required}}</ref>
In July 2004, Clem announced he would run for Pinellas County sheriff again.<ref name=TBT20040717>{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/329744701|title=Bubba files to run for sheriff of Pinellas|first=Michael|last=van Sickler|date=17 July 2004|newspaper=Tampa Bay Times|page=32|via=[[Newspapers.com]]|access-date=27 October 2018}}{{subscription required}}</ref>


In September 2005, [[Howard Stern]] announced the hiring of Clem to host weekday afternoons on [[Howard 100 and Howard 101|Howard 101]], his second channel on [[Sirius Satellite Radio]], a subscription-based [[satellite radio]] service exempt from FCC regulations. The show launched on January 9, 2006.{{cn}}
In September 2005, [[Howard Stern]] announced the hiring of Clem to host weekday afternoons on [[Howard 100 and Howard 101|Howard 101]], his second channel on [[Sirius Satellite Radio]], a subscription-based [[satellite radio]] service exempt from FCC regulations. The show launched on January 9, 2006.{{cn|date=February 2023}}


In 2008, Clem began to host two shows a day, which lasted one year. He and his crew aired an FCC-compliant show on [[WHPT]] in the morning, followed by the uncensored program on Sirius in the afternoon. In 2009, Sirius opted for just FM replays during the week and one live uncensored show on Friday afternoons. In December 2010, Clem did not renew his contract with Sirius, moving to RadioIO, an Internet radio service of which his agent Thomas Bean was CEO.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tampabay.com/blogs/media/content/tampa-shock-jock-bubba-love-sponge-leaves-sirius-xm-internet-radio|title=Tampa shock jock Bubba the Love Sponge leaves Sirius XM for Internet radio|last=Eric|first=Deggans|date=January 4, 2011|work=Tampa Bay Times|access-date=2011-12-27|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161008223248/http://www.tampabay.com/blogs/media/content/tampa-shock-jock-bubba-love-sponge-leaves-sirius-xm-internet-radio|archive-date=October 8, 2016|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}</ref>
In 2008, Clem began to host two shows a day, which lasted one year. He and his crew aired an FCC-compliant show on [[WHPT]] in the morning, followed by the uncensored program on Sirius in the afternoon. In 2009, Sirius opted for just FM replays during the week and one live uncensored show on Friday afternoons. In December 2010, Clem did not renew his contract with Sirius, moving to RadioIO, an Internet radio service of which his agent Thomas Bean was CEO.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tampabay.com/blogs/media/content/tampa-shock-jock-bubba-love-sponge-leaves-sirius-xm-internet-radio|title=Tampa shock jock Bubba the Love Sponge leaves Sirius XM for Internet radio|last=Eric|first=Deggans|date=January 4, 2011|work=Tampa Bay Times|access-date=2011-12-27|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161008223248/http://www.tampabay.com/blogs/media/content/tampa-shock-jock-bubba-love-sponge-leaves-sirius-xm-internet-radio|archive-date=October 8, 2016|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}</ref>


===2008–2019: Return to terrestrial radio===
===2008–2019: Return to terrestrial radio===
Clem began broadcasting a live morning show from Tampa radio station [[WHPT]] 102.5 "The Bone" on January 8, 2008, which was simulcast on the Jacksonville radio station [[WOKV-FM|WFYV-FM]] 104.5 "Rock 105".<ref>{{cite news|title=Bubba the Love Sponge returning to Jacksonville airwaves|first=Mark|last=Basch|url=http://jacksonville.com/tu-online/stories/121107/bus_224640812.shtml#.VbUtFvlNqSp|format=Original|work=Florida Times Union|publisher=Florida Times Union|location=Online|date=December 11, 2007|access-date=December 27, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150929092430/http://jacksonville.com/tu-online/stories/121107/bus_224640812.shtml#.VbUtFvlNqSp|archive-date=September 29, 2015|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}</ref> During the second quarter of 2008, Bubba's show received a number one rating<ref>{{cite news|title=Bubba The Love Sponge regains No. 1 spot in Tampa Bay|first=Ryan|last=Saghir|url=http://www.orbitcast.com/archives/bubba-the-love-sponge-regains-1-spot-in-tampa-bay.html|format=Original|work=Orbitcast|publisher=Orbitcast|location=Online|date=May 5, 2008|access-date=June 16, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090527183718/http://www.orbitcast.com/archives/bubba-the-love-sponge-regains-1-spot-in-tampa-bay.html|archive-date=May 27, 2009|url-status=dead}}</ref> in the Tampa market; in 2015, the show's ratings came under investigation for possible [[Nielsen Ratings]] tampering. In December 2016 his show was canceled on his local Tampa station, WBRN.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fox13news.com/news/local-news/24568435-story|title=Bubba the Love Sponge investigated for ratings tampering|access-date=September 26, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170531231229/http://www.fox13news.com/news/local-news/24568435-story|archive-date=May 31, 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref>
Clem began broadcasting a live morning show from Tampa radio station [[WHPT]] 102.5 "The Bone" on January 8, 2008, which was simulcast on the Jacksonville radio station [[WOKV-FM|WFYV-FM]] 104.5 "Rock 105".<ref>{{cite news|title=Bubba the Love Sponge returning to Jacksonville airwaves|first=Mark|last=Basch|url=http://jacksonville.com/tu-online/stories/121107/bus_224640812.shtml#.VbUtFvlNqSp|format=Original|work=Florida Times Union|location=Online|date=December 11, 2007|access-date=December 27, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150929092430/http://jacksonville.com/tu-online/stories/121107/bus_224640812.shtml#.VbUtFvlNqSp|archive-date=September 29, 2015|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}</ref> During the second quarter of 2008, Bubba's show received a number one rating<ref>{{cite news|title=Bubba The Love Sponge regains No. 1 spot in Tampa Bay|first=Ryan|last=Saghir|url=http://www.orbitcast.com/archives/bubba-the-love-sponge-regains-1-spot-in-tampa-bay.html|format=Original|work=Orbitcast|location=Online|date=May 5, 2008|access-date=June 16, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090527183718/http://www.orbitcast.com/archives/bubba-the-love-sponge-regains-1-spot-in-tampa-bay.html|archive-date=May 27, 2009|url-status=dead}}</ref> in the Tampa market; in 2015, the show's ratings came under investigation for possible [[Nielsen Ratings]] tampering. In December 2016 his show was canceled on his local Tampa station, WBRN.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fox13news.com/news/local-news/24568435-story|title=Bubba the Love Sponge investigated for ratings tampering|access-date=September 26, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170531231229/http://www.fox13news.com/news/local-news/24568435-story|archive-date=May 31, 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref>


In July 2019, it was announced that [[JVC Broadcasting]] would acquire WORL 660 AM in Greater Orlando (and its FM translator) for $900,000. As previous owner Salem is retaining rights to the WORL call letters; the [[WDYZ (AM)]] calls from a sister station were swapped to WORL. JVC announced that it planned to launch a new hot talk format on the station, Florida Man Radio, featuring Bubba the Love Sponge in the morning.<ref>{{cite web| url = https://www.orlandosentinel.com/entertainment/tv-guy/os-et-florida-man-radio-arrives-plans-to-wake-up-orlando-talk-20190909-thzydlg3sbhv3nikwvie4eoxla-story.html| title = Florida Man Radio arrives, plans to wake up Orlando talk - Orlando Sentinel}} </ref> Programming is also heard on a 250-watt FM translator, W288CJ at 105.5 FM.
In July 2019, it was announced that [[JVC Broadcasting]] would acquire WORL 660 AM in Greater Orlando (and its FM translator) for $900,000. As previous owner Salem is retaining rights to the WORL call letters; the [[WDYZ (AM)]] calls from a sister station were swapped to WORL. JVC announced that it planned to launch a new hot talk format on the station, Florida Man Radio, featuring Bubba the Love Sponge in the morning.<ref>{{cite web| url = https://www.orlandosentinel.com/entertainment/tv-guy/os-et-florida-man-radio-arrives-plans-to-wake-up-orlando-talk-20190909-thzydlg3sbhv3nikwvie4eoxla-story.html| title = Florida Man Radio arrives, plans to wake up Orlando talk - Orlando Sentinel| date = September 9, 2019}}</ref> Programming is also heard on a 250-watt FM translator, W288CJ at 105.5 FM.


===2011–present: Bubba Army Radio===
===2011–present: Bubba Army Radio===
{{Infobox Radio show
{{Infobox Radio show
|show_name = Bubba the Love Sponge Show
| show_name = Bubba the Love Sponge Show
|image =
| image =
|imagesize =
| imagesize =
|caption =
| caption =
|format = Talk show, entertainment
| format = Talk show, entertainment
|runtime = 6–10am, Mon–Fri
| runtime = 6–10am, Mon–Fri
|country = United States
| country = United States
|language = English
| language = English
|home_station = Bubba Army Radio, [[Twitch (service)|Twitch]]
| home_station = Bubba Army Radio, [[Twitch (service)|Twitch]]
|opentheme = "[[The Beautiful People (song)|The Beautiful People]]" by [[Marilyn Manson]]
| opentheme = "[[The Beautiful People (song)|The Beautiful People]]" by [[Marilyn Manson]]
|endtheme = "The Beautiful People" by Marilyn Manson
| endtheme = "The Beautiful People" by Marilyn Manson
|italic_title = no
| italic_title = no
}}
}}
Clem announced on January 3, 2011, he would have an internet show on [[RadioIO]] and feature several programming features throughout the day starting on January 10, 2011.<ref>{{cite web |last=Osborne|first=Spencer|url=http://siriusbuzz.com/radioio-credits-bubba-the-love-sponge-with-fast-growth.php |title=Radioio Credits Bubba The Love Sponge With Fast Growth |date=January 16, 2011|access-date=January 16, 2011}}</ref> In August 2013 an audiotape was released on [[YouTube]] of Clem voicing a commercial for Vermont Teddy Bear. In the commercial Clem makes racist remarks; he denied being racist, saying, "I never said the word in that manner, ever." He believed the audio was leaked from "someone who had access to [his] world" and that audio bits were taken from recordings when he worked at Clear Channel.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tampabay.com/features/media/bubba-the-love-sponge-youtube-audio-with-n-word-not-what-it-seems/2136682|title=Bubba the Love Sponge: YouTube audio with n-word not what it seems|work=Tampa Bay Times|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160417004255/http://www.tampabay.com/features/media/bubba-the-love-sponge-youtube-audio-with-n-word-not-what-it-seems/2136682|archive-date=April 17, 2016|df=mdy-all}}</ref> Clem's company, Bubba Radio Network, ordered the removal of the video from YouTube. It is now hosted on [[TMZ]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tmz.com/videos/0_2233grgx/|title=Bubba the Love Sponge -- Racist Filth Caught on Tape|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130925211548/http://www.tmz.com/videos/0_2233grgx/|archive-date=September 25, 2013|df=mdy-all}}</ref>
Clem announced on January 3, 2011, he would have an internet show on [[RadioIO]] and feature several programming features throughout the day starting on January 10, 2011.<ref>{{cite web |last=Osborne|first=Spencer|url=http://siriusbuzz.com/radioio-credits-bubba-the-love-sponge-with-fast-growth.php |title=Radioio Credits Bubba The Love Sponge With Fast Growth |date=January 16, 2011|access-date=January 16, 2011}}</ref> In August 2013 an audiotape was released on [[YouTube]] of Clem voicing a commercial for Vermont Teddy Bear. In the commercial Clem makes racist remarks; he denied being racist, saying, "I never said the word in that manner, ever." He believed the audio was leaked from "someone who had access to [his] world" and that audio bits were taken from recordings when he worked at Clear Channel.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.tampabay.com/features/media/bubba-the-love-sponge-youtube-audio-with-n-word-not-what-it-seems/2136682/|title=Bubba the Love Sponge: YouTube audio with n-word not what it seems|work=Tampa Bay Times|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160417004255/http://www.tampabay.com/features/media/bubba-the-love-sponge-youtube-audio-with-n-word-not-what-it-seems/2136682|archive-date=April 17, 2016|df=mdy-all}}</ref> Clem's company, Bubba Radio Network, ordered the removal of the video from YouTube. It is now hosted on [[TMZ]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tmz.com/videos/0_2233grgx/|title=Bubba the Love Sponge -- Racist Filth Caught on Tape|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130925211548/http://www.tmz.com/videos/0_2233grgx/|archive-date=September 25, 2013|df=mdy-all}}</ref>


On February 13, 2017, WWBA became the new flagship station of Bubba the Love Sponge Show after WBRN dropped the show.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Griffin|first1=Justine|title='Bubba the Love Sponge Show' to air on WWBA-AM 820 in Tampa Bay|url=http://www.tampabay.com/news/business/the-bubba-the-love-sponge-show-to-air-on-wwba-am-820-in-tampa-bay/2312568|access-date=22 February 2017|publisher=Tampa Bay Times|date=February 8, 2017}}</ref> The show also airs live on [[Twitch (service)|Twitch]]<ref name=HAPPENED2018 /> and on sister station WHBO.
On February 13, 2017, WWBA became the new flagship station of Bubba the Love Sponge Show after WBRN dropped the show.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Griffin|first1=Justine|title='Bubba the Love Sponge Show' to air on WWBA-AM 820 in Tampa Bay|url=https://www.tampabay.com/news/business/the-bubba-the-love-sponge-show-to-air-on-wwba-am-820-in-tampa-bay/2312568/|access-date=22 February 2017|publisher=Tampa Bay Times|date=February 8, 2017}}</ref> The show also airs live on [[Twitch (service)|Twitch]]<ref name=HAPPENED2018 /> and on sister station WHBO.


In July 2019, co-host Mike "Manson" Waters, who also did the voice of Ned, left the show.{cn}}
In July 2019, co-host Mike "Manson" Waters, who also did the voice of Ned, left the show.{{cn|date=June 2023}}


On August 23, 2019, Janessa Brazil joined the show as the new co-host. She left for family reasons on December 13, 2019.{{cn}}
On August 23, 2019, Janessa Brazil joined the show as the new co-host. She left for family reasons on December 13, 2019.{{cn|date=February 2023}}


At the start of 2020, Seth Kushner joined ''The Bubba The Love Sponge Show'' as a daily co-host, while 'Babyface' Brian Motroni, aka "Coronavirus Virus survivor", Dan Diaco, Jay Diaco and Steve Diaco make regular appearances throughout the week. Longtime contributor Lummox also makes daily appearances.{cn}}
At the start of 2020, Seth Kushner joined ''The Bubba The Love Sponge Show'' as a daily co-host, while 'Babyface' Brian Motroni, aka "Coronavirus Virus survivor", Dan Diaco, Jay Diaco and Steve Diaco make regular appearances throughout the week. Longtime contributor Lummox also makes daily appearances.{{cn|date=June 2023}}


In February 2021, co-host Seth Kushner left the show for more money and better opportunities on another show.{cn}}
In February 2021, co-host Seth Kushner left the show.{{cn|date=June 2023}}


===Other ventures===
===Other ventures===


====Total Nonstop Action Wrestling====
====Total Nonstop Action Wrestling====
On January 3, 2010, Bubba announced on his [[Twitter]] account that he had signed with [[Total Nonstop Action Wrestling]] as a backstage interviewer.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/BTLSRadio/status/7355432282|title=watch spiketv(Monday)8pm est 4hulks return 2wrestling I'm the new backstage guy think I'm on a total of 4x Please tell everybody u know.|last=Clem|first=Todd|date=January 3, 2010|access-date=January 4, 2010|publisher=[[Twitter]]|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131002232524/https://twitter.com/BTLSRadio/status/7355432282|archive-date=October 2, 2013|df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/news2009/1262622463.php?style=dark|title=New backstage interviewer for TNA|last=Martin|first=Adam|date=January 4, 2010|access-date=January 4, 2010|publisher=WrestleView|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100831175357/http://www.wrestleview.com/news2009/1262622463.php?style=dark|archive-date=August 31, 2010|df=mdy-all}}</ref> He made his debut the following day on the special live, three-hour [[TNA Impact!'s move to Monday nights|Monday night edition]] of ''[[TNA Impact!]]'', participating in four short backstage segments.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/TV_Reports_9/article_37861.shtml|title=Keller's TNA Impact Live Report 1/4: Jeff Hardy, NWO reunion, Hulk Hogan, TNA Knockout Title match, more surprises|last=Keller|first=Wade|date=January 4, 2010|work=PWTorch|access-date=January 5, 2010|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100106163017/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/TV_Reports_9/article_37861.shtml|archive-date=January 6, 2010|df=mdy-all}}</ref>
On January 3, 2010, Bubba announced on his [[Twitter]] account that he had signed with [[Total Nonstop Action Wrestling]] (TNA) as a backstage interviewer.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/BTLSRadio/status/7355432282|title=watch spiketv(Monday)8pm est 4hulks return 2wrestling I'm the new backstage guy think I'm on a total of 4x Please tell everybody u know.|last=Clem|first=Todd|date=January 3, 2010|access-date=January 4, 2010|publisher=[[Twitter]]|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131002232524/https://twitter.com/BTLSRadio/status/7355432282|archive-date=October 2, 2013|df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/news2009/1262622463.php?style=dark|title=New backstage interviewer for TNA|last=Martin|first=Adam|date=January 4, 2010|access-date=January 4, 2010|publisher=WrestleView|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100831175357/http://www.wrestleview.com/news2009/1262622463.php?style=dark|archive-date=August 31, 2010|df=mdy-all}}</ref> He made his debut the following day on the special live, three-hour [[TNA Impact!'s move to Monday nights|Monday night edition]] of ''[[TNA Impact!]]'', participating in four short backstage segments.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/TV_Reports_9/article_37861.shtml|title=Keller's TNA Impact Live Report 1/4: Jeff Hardy, NWO reunion, Hulk Hogan, TNA Knockout Title match, more surprises|last=Keller|first=Wade|date=January 4, 2010|work=PWTorch|access-date=January 5, 2010|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100106163017/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/TV_Reports_9/article_37861.shtml|archive-date=January 6, 2010|df=mdy-all}}</ref>


On January 16, 2010, Clem tweeted about the [[2010 Haiti earthquake]], saying he had tired of hearing about relief efforts for the people of Haiti, writing, "Fuck Haiti", and calling the ensuing deaths of Haitians a "cleanse." He later apologized, but TNA management nonetheless temporarily removed him from the air.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/sports/wrestling/blog/2010/01/bubba_the_love_sponge_apologizes_for_haiti_comments.html|title=Bubba The Love Sponge apologizes for Haiti comments|last=Eck|first=Kevin|date=January 18, 2010|work=Baltimore Sun|access-date=June 20, 2011|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100812110145/http://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/sports/wrestling/blog/2010/01/bubba_the_love_sponge_apologizes_for_haiti_comments.html|archive-date=August 12, 2010|df=mdy-all}}</ref>
On January 16, 2010, Clem tweeted about the [[2010 Haiti earthquake]], saying he had tired of hearing about relief efforts for the people of Haiti, writing, "Fuck Haiti", and calling the ensuing deaths of Haitians a "cleanse." He later apologized, but TNA management nonetheless temporarily removed him from the air.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/sports/wrestling/blog/2010/01/bubba_the_love_sponge_apologizes_for_haiti_comments.html|title=Bubba The Love Sponge apologizes for Haiti comments|last=Eck|first=Kevin|date=January 18, 2010|work=Baltimore Sun|access-date=June 20, 2011|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100812110145/http://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/sports/wrestling/blog/2010/01/bubba_the_love_sponge_apologizes_for_haiti_comments.html|archive-date=August 12, 2010|df=mdy-all}}</ref>
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In October 2006, Clem was sued by pornographic film actress Hope Miller, known professionally as Brooke Skye. She alleged that while performing on a radio program together with porn actress Melissa Harrington, Harrington penetrated her with an oversized sex toy against her will at Clem's urging.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://journalstar.com/articles/2006/10/11/top_story/extras/doc452c34dcce97a077426440.txt|title='Melissa' sued over sex act claim|date=March 13, 2013|work=Lincoln Journal-Star|access-date=June 14, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090430095516/http://journalstar.com/articles/2006/10/11/top_story/extras/doc452c34dcce97a077426440.txt|archive-date=April 30, 2009|df=mdy-all}}</ref> In 2007, a judge turned down a request by Clem's attorneys to dismiss the lawsuit, indicating that there was enough evidence that Miller had a legitimate claim.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.heraldtribune.com/article/20070726/NEWS/707260465?p=1&tc=pg |title=Judge refuses to toss radio lawsuit |publisher=HeraldTribune.com |access-date=2011-02-05 |date=2007-07-26 |author=Thomas W. Krause |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121007195441/http://www.heraldtribune.com/article/20070726/NEWS/707260465?p=1&tc=pg |archive-date=October 7, 2012 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> The case was eventually voluntarily dismissed with prejudice.<ref name=docket>{{cite news |title=Court Docket |url=http://publicrecord.hillsclerk.com/oridev/criminal_pack.doc?pcSearchMode=NS&pnPidm=5956261&pcCaseId=06-CA-009125&pnCnt=1&pcFirst=BUBBA&pcLast=CLEM&pcMi=THE%20LOVE%20SPONGE&pcSuf=&pcId=@5956091&pcByear=&pcPtyp=D003&pcDefStat=Closed%20-%2005/19/2008&pdInit=06-OCT-06&pcCaseStat=Closed%20-%2005/19/2008&pcCtyp=CD&pcLocn=TA&pcPref=&pcWarrant=&pcCaseDscr=CIVIL%20ACTION%20FOR%20DAMAGES&pcDiv=K&pcCourtType=&pnCaseYrFr=1970&pnCaseYrTo=2011&pcCtypCL=&pcLocnCL= |publisher=Hillsborough County Clerk of the Circuit Court |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110711165900/http://publicrecord.hillsclerk.com/oridev/criminal_pack.doc?pcSearchMode=NS&pnPidm=5956261&pcCaseId=06-CA-009125&pnCnt=1&pcFirst=BUBBA&pcLast=CLEM&pcMi=THE%20LOVE%20SPONGE&pcSuf=&pcId=%405956091&pcByear=&pcPtyp=D003&pcDefStat=Closed%20-%2005%2F19%2F2008&pdInit=06-OCT-06&pcCaseStat=Closed%20-%2005%2F19%2F2008&pcCtyp=CD&pcLocn=TA&pcPref=&pcWarrant=&pcCaseDscr=CIVIL%20ACTION%20FOR%20DAMAGES&pcDiv=K&pcCourtType=&pnCaseYrFr=1970&pnCaseYrTo=2011&pcCtypCL=&pcLocnCL= |archive-date=July 11, 2011 }}</ref>
In October 2006, Clem was sued by pornographic film actress Hope Miller, known professionally as Brooke Skye. She alleged that while performing on a radio program together with porn actress Melissa Harrington, Harrington penetrated her with an oversized sex toy against her will at Clem's urging.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://journalstar.com/articles/2006/10/11/top_story/extras/doc452c34dcce97a077426440.txt|title='Melissa' sued over sex act claim|date=March 13, 2013|work=Lincoln Journal-Star|access-date=June 14, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090430095516/http://journalstar.com/articles/2006/10/11/top_story/extras/doc452c34dcce97a077426440.txt|archive-date=April 30, 2009|df=mdy-all}}</ref> In 2007, a judge turned down a request by Clem's attorneys to dismiss the lawsuit, indicating that there was enough evidence that Miller had a legitimate claim.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.heraldtribune.com/article/20070726/NEWS/707260465?p=1&tc=pg |title=Judge refuses to toss radio lawsuit |publisher=HeraldTribune.com |access-date=2011-02-05 |date=2007-07-26 |author=Thomas W. Krause |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121007195441/http://www.heraldtribune.com/article/20070726/NEWS/707260465?p=1&tc=pg |archive-date=October 7, 2012 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> The case was eventually voluntarily dismissed with prejudice.<ref name=docket>{{cite news |title=Court Docket |url=http://publicrecord.hillsclerk.com/oridev/criminal_pack.doc?pcSearchMode=NS&pnPidm=5956261&pcCaseId=06-CA-009125&pnCnt=1&pcFirst=BUBBA&pcLast=CLEM&pcMi=THE%20LOVE%20SPONGE&pcSuf=&pcId=@5956091&pcByear=&pcPtyp=D003&pcDefStat=Closed%20-%2005/19/2008&pdInit=06-OCT-06&pcCaseStat=Closed%20-%2005/19/2008&pcCtyp=CD&pcLocn=TA&pcPref=&pcWarrant=&pcCaseDscr=CIVIL%20ACTION%20FOR%20DAMAGES&pcDiv=K&pcCourtType=&pnCaseYrFr=1970&pnCaseYrTo=2011&pcCtypCL=&pcLocnCL= |publisher=Hillsborough County Clerk of the Circuit Court |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110711165900/http://publicrecord.hillsclerk.com/oridev/criminal_pack.doc?pcSearchMode=NS&pnPidm=5956261&pcCaseId=06-CA-009125&pnCnt=1&pcFirst=BUBBA&pcLast=CLEM&pcMi=THE%20LOVE%20SPONGE&pcSuf=&pcId=%405956091&pcByear=&pcPtyp=D003&pcDefStat=Closed%20-%2005%2F19%2F2008&pdInit=06-OCT-06&pcCaseStat=Closed%20-%2005%2F19%2F2008&pcCtyp=CD&pcLocn=TA&pcPref=&pcWarrant=&pcCaseDscr=CIVIL%20ACTION%20FOR%20DAMAGES&pcDiv=K&pcCourtType=&pnCaseYrFr=1970&pnCaseYrTo=2011&pcCtypCL=&pcLocnCL= |archive-date=July 11, 2011 }}</ref>


In 2007, Clem was sued for defamation by competitor disc jockey Todd Schnitt over on-air remarks Clem made about Schnitt's family. A court ruled in Clem's favor, and Schnitt vowed to appeal. In March 2013, after 13 hours of negotiations, Clem settled with Schnitt.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.abcactionnews.com/news/bubba-schnitt-reach-legal-settlement|title=Bubba, Schnitt reach legal settlement|last=Trenkmann|first=Chris|date=March 13, 2013|publisher=ABC Action News|access-date=April 12, 2016|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160423044542/http://www.abcactionnews.com/news/bubba-schnitt-reach-legal-settlement|archive-date=April 23, 2016|df=mdy-all}}</ref>
In 2007, Clem was sued for defamation by competitor disc jockey [[Todd Schnitt]] over on-air remarks Clem made about Schnitt's family. A court ruled in Clem's favor, and Schnitt vowed to appeal. In March 2013, after 13 hours of negotiations, Clem settled with Schnitt.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.abcactionnews.com/news/bubba-schnitt-reach-legal-settlement|title=Bubba, Schnitt reach legal settlement|last=Trenkmann|first=Chris|date=March 13, 2013|publisher=ABC Action News|access-date=April 12, 2016|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160423044542/http://www.abcactionnews.com/news/bubba-schnitt-reach-legal-settlement|archive-date=April 23, 2016|df=mdy-all}}</ref>


In October 2015, [[Nielsen Media Research|Nielsen]] sued Clem for $1 million over allegations of tampering with the ratings system by offering to pay several Nielsen panelists to manipulate the ratings by saying they listened to his show more than they did. Clem admitted to paying one person to manipulate the ratings, but Nielsen claimed he influenced several. Clem's lawyer filed a motion asking that Nielsen's lawsuit be dismissed, but it was denied by a judge.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/investigations/bubba-in-more-trouble-with-rating-company/67-45913423 |url-status=dead |archive-url=http://archive.today/2023.02.13-140314/https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/investigations/bubba-in-more-trouble-with-rating-company/67-45913423 |archive-date=February 13, 2023 |title=Bubba in more trouble with rating company |publisher=WTSP |last=Deeson |first=Mike |date=December 1, 2015 |access-date=June 14, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bizjournals.com/tampabay/news/2016/02/22/judge-denies-bubbas-request-to-dismiss-nielsen.html |title=Judge denies Bubba the Love Sponge request to dismiss Nielsen ratings tampering lawsuit, including WBRN Beasley Broadcast Group station - Tampa Bay Business Journal |access-date=2016-12-13 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220201210/http://www.bizjournals.com/tampabay/news/2016/02/22/judge-denies-bubbas-request-to-dismiss-nielsen.html |archive-date=December 20, 2016 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> After years of trial delays, Clem and Nielsen settled out of court on July 6, 2018.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rbr.com/bubba-nielsen-settle-ratings-tampering-lawsuit/|title=Bubba, Nielsen Settle Ratings Tampering Lawsuit - Radio & Television Business Report|date=July 6, 2018}}</ref>
In October 2015, [[Nielsen Media Research|Nielsen]] sued Clem for $1 million over allegations of tampering with the ratings system by offering to pay several Nielsen panelists to manipulate the ratings by saying they listened to his show more than they did. Clem admitted to paying one person to manipulate the ratings, but Nielsen claimed he influenced several. Clem's lawyer filed a motion asking that Nielsen's lawsuit be dismissed, but it was denied by a judge.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/investigations/bubba-in-more-trouble-with-rating-company/67-45913423 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230213140314/https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/investigations/bubba-in-more-trouble-with-rating-company/67-45913423 |archive-date=February 13, 2023 |title=Bubba in more trouble with rating company |publisher=WTSP |last=Deeson |first=Mike |date=December 1, 2015 |access-date=June 14, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bizjournals.com/tampabay/news/2016/02/22/judge-denies-bubbas-request-to-dismiss-nielsen.html |title=Judge denies Bubba the Love Sponge request to dismiss Nielsen ratings tampering lawsuit, including WBRN Beasley Broadcast Group station - Tampa Bay Business Journal |access-date=2016-12-13 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220201210/http://www.bizjournals.com/tampabay/news/2016/02/22/judge-denies-bubbas-request-to-dismiss-nielsen.html |archive-date=December 20, 2016 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> After years of trial delays, Clem and Nielsen settled out of court on July 6, 2018.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rbr.com/bubba-nielsen-settle-ratings-tampering-lawsuit/|title=Bubba, Nielsen Settle Ratings Tampering Lawsuit - Radio & Television Business Report|date=July 6, 2018}}</ref>


=== Hulk Hogan sex tape===
=== Hulk Hogan sex tape===
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In October 1998, Clem legally changed his name to Bubba the Love Sponge Clem.<ref name=SPTIMES20040324>{{cite web|url=http://www.sptimes.com/2004/02/24/Tampabay/Report__Station_fires.shtml|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040414230751/http://www.sptimes.com/2004/02/24/Tampabay/Report__Station_fires.shtml|archive-date=April 14, 2004|title=Report: Station fires Bubba|first=Brady|last=Dennis|work=St. Petersburg Times|date=February 24, 2004|access-date=October 27, 2018|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref> That year, he lost 148 pounds, going from 488 to 340. Clem does not smoke, drink alcohol, or use drugs.<ref name=TBT19990512/><ref name=HAPPENED2018/><ref name=ORLANDO91/>
In October 1998, Clem legally changed his name to Bubba the Love Sponge Clem.<ref name=SPTIMES20040324>{{cite web|url=http://www.sptimes.com/2004/02/24/Tampabay/Report__Station_fires.shtml|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040414230751/http://www.sptimes.com/2004/02/24/Tampabay/Report__Station_fires.shtml|archive-date=April 14, 2004|title=Report: Station fires Bubba|first=Brady|last=Dennis|work=St. Petersburg Times|date=February 24, 2004|access-date=October 27, 2018|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref> That year, he lost 148 pounds, going from 488 to 340. Clem does not smoke, drink alcohol, or use drugs.<ref name=TBT19990512/><ref name=HAPPENED2018/><ref name=ORLANDO91/>


Clem has been married twice; his first marriage lasted 91 days.<ref name=HAPPENED2018/> He said "things got sticky" after he wanted to make it in radio and had to develop in different cities and his wife preferred to stay in Terre Haute.<ref name=TAMPA93/> In January 2007, Clem married Heather Cole at the First Baptist Church of [[St. Petersburg, Florida]]. Hulk Hogan was Clem's best man.<ref name=HAPPENED2018/><ref name=TB2011>{{cite web|title=Shock jock Bubba the Love Sponge Clem files for divorce|url=http://www.tampabay.com/features/media/shock-jock-bubba-the-love-sponge-clem-files-for-divorce/1191495|publisher=Tampa Bay Times|date=15 September 2011|access-date=October 28, 2018|first=Eric|last=Deggans|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121008070103/http://www.tampabay.com/features/media/shock-jock-bubba-the-love-sponge-clem-files-for-divorce/1191495|archive-date=October 8, 2012}}</ref> The couple agreed to separate in March 2011, and Clem filed for divorce that September.<ref name=TB2011/><ref>{{cite web|title=Bubba the Love Sponge Alimony Payments|url=http://www.tampabay.com/blogs/juice/content/bubba-love-sponge-owes-wife-1150-month-divorce-not-much-else|publisher=Tampabay Times|access-date=October 6, 2012|first=Joshua|last=Gillin|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121010042631/http://www.tampabay.com/blogs/juice/content/bubba-love-sponge-owes-wife-1150-month-divorce-not-much-else|archive-date=October 10, 2012|df=mdy-all}}</ref> Clem has a son, Tyler, from a previous relationship; Hogan is his godfather.<ref name=TB2011/><ref name=HAPPENED2018/>
Clem has been married twice; his first marriage lasted 91 days.<ref name=HAPPENED2018/> He said "things got sticky" after he wanted to make it in radio and had to develop in different cities and his wife preferred to stay in Terre Haute.<ref name=TAMPA93/> In January 2007, Clem married model Heather Cole at the First Baptist Church of [[St. Petersburg, Florida]]. Hulk Hogan was Clem's best man.<ref name=HAPPENED2018/><ref name=TB2011>{{cite web|title=Shock jock Bubba the Love Sponge Clem files for divorce|url=http://www.tampabay.com/features/media/shock-jock-bubba-the-love-sponge-clem-files-for-divorce/1191495|publisher=Tampa Bay Times|date=15 September 2011|access-date=October 28, 2018|first=Eric|last=Deggans|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121008070103/http://www.tampabay.com/features/media/shock-jock-bubba-the-love-sponge-clem-files-for-divorce/1191495|archive-date=October 8, 2012}}</ref> The couple agreed to separate in March 2011, and Clem filed for divorce that September.<ref name=TB2011/><ref>{{cite web|title=Bubba the Love Sponge Alimony Payments|url=http://www.tampabay.com/blogs/juice/content/bubba-love-sponge-owes-wife-1150-month-divorce-not-much-else|publisher=Tampabay Times|access-date=October 6, 2012|first=Joshua|last=Gillin|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121010042631/http://www.tampabay.com/blogs/juice/content/bubba-love-sponge-owes-wife-1150-month-divorce-not-much-else|archive-date=October 10, 2012|df=mdy-all}}</ref> Clem has a son from a previous relationship; Hogan is his godfather.<ref name=TB2011/><ref name=HAPPENED2018/>


In 2012, Clem started a four-year relationship with Nicole L'Ange. In February 2017, she requested an order of protection against Clem, claiming he had abused her "emotionally and physically".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tampabay.com/news/courts/bubba-clems-ex-seeks-restraining-order-says-radio-host-has-history-of/2314775|title=Bubba Clem's ex-girlfriend seeks protection order, says radio host abused her|date=28 February 2017|work=Tampa Bay Times|first=Sara|last=DeNatale|access-date=28 October 2018}}</ref> Clem denied the allegations, and the case was settled out of court that March.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fox13news.com/news/local-news/request-for-restraining-order-against-bubba-dismissed|title=Request for restraining order against Bubba dismissed|publisher=Fox 13 News|date=13 March 2017|access-date=28 October 2018}}</ref>
In 2012, Clem started a four-year relationship with Nicole L'Ange. In February 2017, she requested an order of protection against Clem, claiming he had abused her "emotionally and physically".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.tampabay.com/news/courts/bubba-clems-ex-seeks-restraining-order-says-radio-host-has-history-of/2314775/|title=Bubba Clem's ex-girlfriend seeks protection order, says radio host abused her|date=28 February 2017|work=Tampa Bay Times|first=Sara|last=DeNatale|access-date=28 October 2018}}</ref> Clem denied the allegations, and the case was settled out of court that March.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fox13news.com/news/local-news/request-for-restraining-order-against-bubba-dismissed|title=Request for restraining order against Bubba dismissed|publisher=Fox 13 News|date=13 March 2017|access-date=28 October 2018}}</ref>


In June 2017, Clem put his St. Petersburg home up for sale.<ref>{{cite web|title=Bubba the Love Sponge's Mansion Up for Sale: The Home That Brought Down Gawker|url=https://www.realtor.com/news/celebrity-real-estate/bubba-the-love-sponge-florida-mansion/|website=realtor.com News|date=June 9, 2017|access-date=14 March 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180315195959/https://www.realtor.com/news/celebrity-real-estate/bubba-the-love-sponge-florida-mansion/|archive-date=March 15, 2018|df=mdy-all}}</ref>
In June 2017, Clem put his St. Petersburg home up for sale.<ref>{{cite web|title=Bubba the Love Sponge's Mansion Up for Sale: The Home That Brought Down Gawker|url=https://www.realtor.com/news/celebrity-real-estate/bubba-the-love-sponge-florida-mansion/|website=realtor.com News|date=June 9, 2017|access-date=14 March 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180315195959/https://www.realtor.com/news/celebrity-real-estate/bubba-the-love-sponge-florida-mansion/|archive-date=March 15, 2018|df=mdy-all}}</ref>

Latest revision as of 04:35, 1 October 2024

Bubba the Love Sponge
Born
Todd Alan Clem

(1966-04-23) April 23, 1966 (age 58)
Warsaw, Indiana, U.S.
OccupationRadio personality
Years active1986–present
SpouseHeather Cole (2007–2011)
Children1
Websitethebubbaarmy.com

Bubba the Love Sponge Clem[1] (born Todd Alan Clem, April 23, 1966) is an American radio personality who hosts The Bubba the Love Sponge Show on the radio station WWBA in Tampa, Florida, and the subscription service Bubba Army Radio.[2] He can also be heard on Florida Man Radio.

Early life

[edit]

Todd Alan Clem was born on April 23, 1966, in Warsaw, Indiana.[3] His father, Doug Clem, was a factory worker and his mother, Jane Edmond, a schoolbus driver and Warsaw city department head; he has a sister, Tara.[4][5][6] Clem's parents divorced when he was young.[7] In 1984, Clem graduated from Warsaw Community High School.[5] He attended Indiana State University in Terre Haute, Indiana, with a plan to go into dentistry, but his best friend Larry Plummer told him he was better suited to a radio career, and he dropped out in his second year.[8][5] Clem had a position at the campus radio station WISU, but before he became a full-time disc jockey, he worked at a van conversion shop, where he laid down carpets. He coached football at his former high school.[5]

Career

[edit]

1986–1992: Early career

[edit]

In 1986, Clem worked as a bouncer and driver at Jubilation nightclub, where he picked up radio DJ "Scary" Kerry Gray, of whom he was a fan, and took him to the club. Once there, Clem noticed people gravitating toward Gray.[4][9] Gray gave Clem an on-air shift as an April Fool's Day joke on April 1, 1986, at WPFR-FM in Terre Haute as Rockin' Bubba Clem, a name someone else had suggested.[4][5][10] Clem became Gray's intern, making studio visits, answering phone calls, and sitting in on the show. He accepted a position hosting weekends soon after, and began a part-time midday shift starting on Christmas Day in 1986. He became the station's managing director.[when?][9] At a fraternity party, Gray called Clem a "love sponge" after witnessing the female attention Clem received.[4][11]

After WPFR, Clem had a stint at WGRD-FM in Grand Rapids, Michigan.[11] He was fired on December 21, 1988, after a 13-year-old girl called into his show and Clem made sexual remarks about her.[12][13] In 1989, Clem landed a spot at KTFM in San Antonio, Texas, where he was encouraged to trademark his air name and borrowed $5,000 from his parents to file a federal trademark for "Bubba the Love Sponge".[9][4] He worked evenings at WBBM-FM in Chicago, followed by a stint at WIOQ in Philadelphia from March to June 1990. The station let him go as management thought his style was not what they were looking for.[14] Clem took legal action, and received $75,000 from WIOQ.[15][16]

Clem worked nights at WXXL in Orlando, Florida, where he averaged 53,000 regular listeners.[7] He left the station in May 1991.[17] In August 1991, he returned to Chicago on WYTZ as the morning host, but the position lasted under three months before management rebranded the station.[18][14][17] Clem then moved to WLUM-FM in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.[19][1][20]

1992–1996: WFLZ-FM Tampa

[edit]

In September 1992, Clem started work from 7 to 11 p.m. at WFLZ-FM in Tampa, Florida, where his show gained popularity, particularly among teenagers.[8][5][4][21] His first major contract signed during this time was worth $100,000 a year.[4] Clem and WFLZ host Tom Steele were temporarily suspended to settle legal issues from their ongoing on-air feud.[22]

Clem became involved in various business ventures. In December 1994, he invested $50,000 to open Sponges, an alcohol-free nightclub for teenagers in Largo, Florida. He opened a second Sponges in Spring Hill in 1995. He performed with his rap band Boyz Wit Da Bass there.[23] Clem was involved in an endorsement deal with an Isuzu car dealership, the Bubba the Love Sponge Limousines service, a personalized paging service called the Air Bubba Beeping Network, and a premium-rate telephone line.[23][24] In June 1995, Clem released an adult-oriented home video, Let Your Chia Run Wild, described as a "private collection of events documenting a lifestyle that some can only dream of" and featuring some nudity.[25] Clem regretted his decision to release it, and WFLZ requested Clem cease its distribution.[25] In April 1996, he opened Bubba's Beach Club, a dance club and nightspot in Ybor City.[26] In September 1996, Clem quit WFLZ.[21]

1996–2004: WXTB Tampa

[edit]

Clem decided to remain in Tampa, partly because he had other business ventures there. He started a morning show at WXTB in December 1996,[21][27] and continued to host a pre-recorded show that was syndicated in six other cities, including Cincinnati, Toledo, Columbus, Louisville, Atlanta, and Jacksonville.[21]

In June 1997, Jacor Communications was fined $4,000 for airing Clem's discussions of having sex with a lesbian couple on February 25.[28] In October 1998, Citicasters, WXTB's owner, was fined $23,000 for various broadcasts, including one from May 1997 that included one of the crew describing their enema experience.[5][28] This was followed by a $4,000 fine for a June 12, 1997, show that had a woman masturbating over the phone, and a $7,000 fine in 1999 for a May 28, 1998, segment that involved a caller ordering a sex doll.[28]

By mid-1999, Clem had received four Billboard Personality of the Year awards.[5] He was earning six figures[vague] and owned two nightclubs, one of them Planet Bubba in Spring Hill. His radio show crew included Mike "Cowhead" Calta, Mike "Manson" Waters,[4] Whitey Pippen, Scotty the Body, Matt "Spiceboy" Loyd, Anita Wadd and Ned.[5] In November 2000, Clem was a candidate to succeed the Pinellas County sheriff.[5]

In January 2001, Clem's show entered national syndication on stations in Jacksonville, Orlando, Hartford, West Palm Beach, Ft. Myers, Wichita, Kansas, Shreveport, and Macon, Georgia.

In February 2002, Clem was faced with animal cruelty charges following the February 27, 2001, broadcast, which featured the Bubba's Road Kill Barbecue. The show involved the on-air castration and killing of a feral hog a hunter had captured in the station's parking lot, and sound effects of hogs feeding were broadcast to have listeners believe it was being harassed and aggravated. The hog was cooked and eaten by the crowd present. Clem, his executive producer Brent Hatley, and two others present were charged with felony animal cruelty.[29] A jury acquitted them in March.[30]

In January 2004, the FCC issued a $755,000 fine to Clear Channel Communications for objectionable comments from July 19, 2001.[28] The fine consisted of the maximum $27,500 fine for each of the 26 stations that aired the segments, plus $40,000 for record-keeping violations. The segment involved sexual discussions among the cartoon characters Alvin and the Chipmunks, George Jetson, and Scooby-Doo, among others.[31] Clem was fired on February 23. At the time he had the number one show in the Tampa area in the 18–54-year-old male demographic.[1][32]

2004–2010: Hiatus and Sirius Satellite Radio

[edit]

In July 2004, Clem announced he would run for Pinellas County sheriff again.[33]

In September 2005, Howard Stern announced the hiring of Clem to host weekday afternoons on Howard 101, his second channel on Sirius Satellite Radio, a subscription-based satellite radio service exempt from FCC regulations. The show launched on January 9, 2006.[citation needed]

In 2008, Clem began to host two shows a day, which lasted one year. He and his crew aired an FCC-compliant show on WHPT in the morning, followed by the uncensored program on Sirius in the afternoon. In 2009, Sirius opted for just FM replays during the week and one live uncensored show on Friday afternoons. In December 2010, Clem did not renew his contract with Sirius, moving to RadioIO, an Internet radio service of which his agent Thomas Bean was CEO.[34]

2008–2019: Return to terrestrial radio

[edit]

Clem began broadcasting a live morning show from Tampa radio station WHPT 102.5 "The Bone" on January 8, 2008, which was simulcast on the Jacksonville radio station WFYV-FM 104.5 "Rock 105".[35] During the second quarter of 2008, Bubba's show received a number one rating[36] in the Tampa market; in 2015, the show's ratings came under investigation for possible Nielsen Ratings tampering. In December 2016 his show was canceled on his local Tampa station, WBRN.[37]

In July 2019, it was announced that JVC Broadcasting would acquire WORL 660 AM in Greater Orlando (and its FM translator) for $900,000. As previous owner Salem is retaining rights to the WORL call letters; the WDYZ (AM) calls from a sister station were swapped to WORL. JVC announced that it planned to launch a new hot talk format on the station, Florida Man Radio, featuring Bubba the Love Sponge in the morning.[38] Programming is also heard on a 250-watt FM translator, W288CJ at 105.5 FM.

2011–present: Bubba Army Radio

[edit]
Bubba the Love Sponge Show
GenreTalk show, entertainment
Running time6–10am, Mon–Fri
Country of originUnited States
Language(s)English
Home stationBubba Army Radio, Twitch
Opening theme"The Beautiful People" by Marilyn Manson
Ending theme"The Beautiful People" by Marilyn Manson

Clem announced on January 3, 2011, he would have an internet show on RadioIO and feature several programming features throughout the day starting on January 10, 2011.[39] In August 2013 an audiotape was released on YouTube of Clem voicing a commercial for Vermont Teddy Bear. In the commercial Clem makes racist remarks; he denied being racist, saying, "I never said the word in that manner, ever." He believed the audio was leaked from "someone who had access to [his] world" and that audio bits were taken from recordings when he worked at Clear Channel.[40] Clem's company, Bubba Radio Network, ordered the removal of the video from YouTube. It is now hosted on TMZ.[41]

On February 13, 2017, WWBA became the new flagship station of Bubba the Love Sponge Show after WBRN dropped the show.[42] The show also airs live on Twitch[4] and on sister station WHBO.

In July 2019, co-host Mike "Manson" Waters, who also did the voice of Ned, left the show.[citation needed]

On August 23, 2019, Janessa Brazil joined the show as the new co-host. She left for family reasons on December 13, 2019.[citation needed]

At the start of 2020, Seth Kushner joined The Bubba The Love Sponge Show as a daily co-host, while 'Babyface' Brian Motroni, aka "Coronavirus Virus survivor", Dan Diaco, Jay Diaco and Steve Diaco make regular appearances throughout the week. Longtime contributor Lummox also makes daily appearances.[citation needed]

In February 2021, co-host Seth Kushner left the show.[citation needed]

Other ventures

[edit]

Total Nonstop Action Wrestling

[edit]

On January 3, 2010, Bubba announced on his Twitter account that he had signed with Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA) as a backstage interviewer.[43][44] He made his debut the following day on the special live, three-hour Monday night edition of TNA Impact!, participating in four short backstage segments.[45]

On January 16, 2010, Clem tweeted about the 2010 Haiti earthquake, saying he had tired of hearing about relief efforts for the people of Haiti, writing, "Fuck Haiti", and calling the ensuing deaths of Haitians a "cleanse." He later apologized, but TNA management nonetheless temporarily removed him from the air.[46]

On January 19, 2010, Clem claimed that he had been blindsided and physically assaulted by Awesome Kong while backstage for the taping of TNA Impact! the previous day.[47] According to all three, the altercation was because of Clem's tweets about Haiti.[48][49] On February 25, news broke that Awesome Kong had filed a lawsuit against Clem for an alleged threatening phone call.[50] On The Cowhead Show, Clem confronted Kong.[51]

Clem returned to TNA television as the personal interviewer of wrestling stable The Band, in late March,[52] only to be fired from the company on April 30, 2010, as a result of the Cowhead Show incident.[53]

Motorsports

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In 2011, Clem and an investor group bought the 3/8 dirt oval Ocala Speedway, which they renamed Bubba Raceway Park.[54]

[edit]

Lawsuits

[edit]

In October 2006, Clem was sued by pornographic film actress Hope Miller, known professionally as Brooke Skye. She alleged that while performing on a radio program together with porn actress Melissa Harrington, Harrington penetrated her with an oversized sex toy against her will at Clem's urging.[55] In 2007, a judge turned down a request by Clem's attorneys to dismiss the lawsuit, indicating that there was enough evidence that Miller had a legitimate claim.[56] The case was eventually voluntarily dismissed with prejudice.[57]

In 2007, Clem was sued for defamation by competitor disc jockey Todd Schnitt over on-air remarks Clem made about Schnitt's family. A court ruled in Clem's favor, and Schnitt vowed to appeal. In March 2013, after 13 hours of negotiations, Clem settled with Schnitt.[58]

In October 2015, Nielsen sued Clem for $1 million over allegations of tampering with the ratings system by offering to pay several Nielsen panelists to manipulate the ratings by saying they listened to his show more than they did. Clem admitted to paying one person to manipulate the ratings, but Nielsen claimed he influenced several. Clem's lawyer filed a motion asking that Nielsen's lawsuit be dismissed, but it was denied by a judge.[59][60] After years of trial delays, Clem and Nielsen settled out of court on July 6, 2018.[61]

Hulk Hogan sex tape

[edit]
Main article: Bollea v. Gawker

In early 2012, it was reported that Clem had secretly filmed his wife Heather Clem and Hulk Hogan having sex in his bedroom. On October 4, 2012, Gawker released a short clip of the video.[62] In the clip, Clem can be heard saying that the couple can "do their thing" and he will be in his office. At the end of the video, Clem can be heard telling Heather, "If we ever need to retire, here is our ticket".[63] Hogan filed a lawsuit against the Clems for invading his privacy on October 15, 2012.[64] Clem settled the suit on October 29, 2012.[65] Following the settlement, Clem publicly apologized to Hogan.[66] Hogan sued Gawker Media for publishing the tape, and a jury of six awarded Hogan more than $140 million in March 2016.[67] Gawker announced it would appeal as it was "disappointed" that the jury was unable to hear Clem's testimony,[68] but ultimately settled with Hogan for $31 million in November 2016.[69]

Personal life

[edit]

In October 1998, Clem legally changed his name to Bubba the Love Sponge Clem.[1] That year, he lost 148 pounds, going from 488 to 340. Clem does not smoke, drink alcohol, or use drugs.[5][4][7]

Clem has been married twice; his first marriage lasted 91 days.[4] He said "things got sticky" after he wanted to make it in radio and had to develop in different cities and his wife preferred to stay in Terre Haute.[8] In January 2007, Clem married model Heather Cole at the First Baptist Church of St. Petersburg, Florida. Hulk Hogan was Clem's best man.[4][70] The couple agreed to separate in March 2011, and Clem filed for divorce that September.[70][71] Clem has a son from a previous relationship; Hogan is his godfather.[70][4]

In 2012, Clem started a four-year relationship with Nicole L'Ange. In February 2017, she requested an order of protection against Clem, claiming he had abused her "emotionally and physically".[72] Clem denied the allegations, and the case was settled out of court that March.[73]

In June 2017, Clem put his St. Petersburg home up for sale.[74]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c d Dennis, Brady (February 24, 2004). "Report: Station fires Bubba". St. Petersburg Times. Archived from the original on April 14, 2004. Retrieved October 27, 2018.
  2. ^ "All the latest from Bubba Army Radio". radioio. Archived from the original on February 16, 2013. Retrieved February 12, 2013.
  3. ^ Ringler, Lance (October 26, 2011). "Bubba the Love Sponge Btls.com". Zimbio. Archived from the original on February 4, 2012. Retrieved February 12, 2013.
  4. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m Spata, Christopher (October 26, 2018). "What happened to Bubba the Love Sponge?". Tampa Bay Times. Retrieved October 27, 2018.
  5. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k Zucco, Tom (May 12, 1999). "The Mouth That Roars". Floridian. pp. 1, 3. Retrieved October 27, 2018 – via Newspapers.com.(subscription required)
  6. ^ DuVall, Ryan (December 6, 2006). "Bubba's mom makes Sirius meatloaf". FortWayne. Archived from the original on December 9, 2006. Retrieved October 27, 2018.
  7. ^ a b c Smith, David (May 26, 1991). "Bubba The Love Sponge: There's More to This Disc Jockey Than His Foul Mouth". Orlando Sentinel. Retrieved October 27, 2018.
  8. ^ a b c Hull, Anne V. (June 27, 1993). "Unknown title". Tampa Bay Times. pp. 1, 6. Retrieved October 27, 2018 – via Newspapers.com.(subscription required)
  9. ^ a b c "Power Player – Bubba The Love Sponge". All Access Music Group. February 9, 2010. Retrieved October 27, 2018.
  10. ^ "A GoFundMe Page Has Been Set Up To Help Kerry Gray". All Access Music Group. March 11, 2016. Retrieved October 27, 2018.
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  12. ^ The Grand Rapids Press, December 16, 1988
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  38. ^ "Florida Man Radio arrives, plans to wake up Orlando talk - Orlando Sentinel". September 9, 2019.
  39. ^ Osborne, Spencer (January 16, 2011). "Radioio Credits Bubba The Love Sponge With Fast Growth". Retrieved January 16, 2011.
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  41. ^ "Bubba the Love Sponge -- Racist Filth Caught on Tape". Archived from the original on September 25, 2013.
  42. ^ Griffin, Justine (February 8, 2017). "'Bubba the Love Sponge Show' to air on WWBA-AM 820 in Tampa Bay". Tampa Bay Times. Retrieved February 22, 2017.
  43. ^ Clem, Todd (January 3, 2010). "watch spiketv(Monday)8pm est 4hulks return 2wrestling I'm the new backstage guy think I'm on a total of 4x Please tell everybody u know". Twitter. Archived from the original on October 2, 2013. Retrieved January 4, 2010.
  44. ^ Martin, Adam (January 4, 2010). "New backstage interviewer for TNA". WrestleView. Archived from the original on August 31, 2010. Retrieved January 4, 2010.
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  46. ^ Eck, Kevin (January 18, 2010). "Bubba The Love Sponge apologizes for Haiti comments". Baltimore Sun. Archived from the original on August 12, 2010. Retrieved June 20, 2011.
  47. ^ Caldwell, James (January 19, 2010). "TNA News: Report on TNA Knockout punching Bubba the Love Sponge over Haiti remark". PWTorch.com. Archived from the original on August 13, 2016. Retrieved June 14, 2016.
  48. ^ "Kong sent home by TNA after fight last night". Wrestling Observer. January 19, 2010. Archived from the original on January 22, 2010. Retrieved January 19, 2010.
  49. ^ "Awesome Kong Punches Bubba the Love Sponge?". Diva-Dirt. January 19, 2010. Archived from the original on January 20, 2010. Retrieved January 19, 2010.
  50. ^ Brown, Karina (February 25, 2010). "Wrestler Accuses 'Love Sponge' of Hate Call". Courthouse News Service. Archived from the original on February 28, 2010. Retrieved February 26, 2010.
  51. ^ Gerweck, Steve (July 30, 2010). "Audio: BTLS confronts Awesome Kong". WrestleView. Archived from the original on May 2, 2010. Retrieved April 30, 2010.
  52. ^ Caldwell, James (March 29, 2010). "CALDWELL'S TNA IMPACT REPORT 3/29: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of Spike TV show - cage match with Jeff Hardy, RVD, Wolfpack". PWTorch. Archived from the original on April 4, 2010. Retrieved March 30, 2010.
  53. ^ Trionfo, Richard (April 30, 2010). "TNA Fires Bubba The Love Sponge". PWInsider. Archived from the original on May 6, 2010. Retrieved February 13, 2023.
  54. ^ Bubba the Love Sponge buys Ocala Speedway - Carlos E. Medina, Ocala.com, 15 April 2011
  55. ^ "'Melissa' sued over sex act claim". Lincoln Journal-Star. March 13, 2013. Archived from the original on April 30, 2009. Retrieved June 14, 2016.
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  58. ^ Trenkmann, Chris (March 13, 2013). "Bubba, Schnitt reach legal settlement". ABC Action News. Archived from the original on April 23, 2016. Retrieved April 12, 2016.
  59. ^ Deeson, Mike (December 1, 2015). "Bubba in more trouble with rating company". WTSP. Archived from the original on February 13, 2023. Retrieved June 14, 2016.
  60. ^ "Judge denies Bubba the Love Sponge request to dismiss Nielsen ratings tampering lawsuit, including WBRN Beasley Broadcast Group station - Tampa Bay Business Journal". Archived from the original on December 20, 2016. Retrieved December 13, 2016.
  61. ^ "Bubba, Nielsen Settle Ratings Tampering Lawsuit - Radio & Television Business Report". July 6, 2018.
  62. ^ Daulerio, A. J. (October 4, 2012). "Even for a Minute, Watching Hulk Hogan Have Sex in a Canopy Bed is Not Safe For Work but Watch it Anyway". Gawker. Archived from the original on July 3, 2015. Retrieved February 17, 2013.
  63. ^ "Hulk Hogan Sex Tape". SexTape.com. February 4, 2013. Archived from the original on January 24, 2013. Retrieved February 12, 2013.
  64. ^ "Hulk Hogan to sue former friend Bubba the Love Sponge, sex tape partner Heather Clem for invasion of privacy". The New York Daily News. Archived from the original on October 17, 2012. Retrieved October 15, 2012.
  65. ^ "Hulk Hogan Settles Sex Tape Lawsuit With DJ". The New York Times.
  66. ^ Gicas, Peter (October 29, 2012). "Hulk Hogan Settles Sex Tape Lawsuit With Bubba the Love Sponge". E! Online. Archived from the original on March 10, 2013. Retrieved February 12, 2013.
  67. ^ ABC News. "Jurors in Hulk Hogan v Gawker Trial Say They Made 'Absolutely Correct' Decision Awarding Hogan $140M". ABC News.
  68. ^ Turkel, Dan (March 18, 2016). "Gawker says it may appeal the Hulk Hogan sex-tape case". Business Insider. Archived from the original on April 8, 2016. Retrieved April 12, 2016.
  69. ^ "Gawker and Hulk Hogan Reach $31 Million Settlement". The New York Times. November 2, 2016. Archived from the original on November 5, 2016. Retrieved November 2, 2016.
  70. ^ a b c Deggans, Eric (September 15, 2011). "Shock jock Bubba the Love Sponge Clem files for divorce". Tampa Bay Times. Archived from the original on October 8, 2012. Retrieved October 28, 2018.
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  72. ^ DeNatale, Sara (February 28, 2017). "Bubba Clem's ex-girlfriend seeks protection order, says radio host abused her". Tampa Bay Times. Retrieved October 28, 2018.
  73. ^ "Request for restraining order against Bubba dismissed". Fox 13 News. March 13, 2017. Retrieved October 28, 2018.
  74. ^ "Bubba the Love Sponge's Mansion Up for Sale: The Home That Brought Down Gawker". realtor.com News. June 9, 2017. Archived from the original on March 15, 2018. Retrieved March 14, 2018.
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