PTC’s Stern words

The Parents Television Council is up in arms over reports that Howard Stern may join “American Idol” as a judge.

The conservative media watchdog group is demanding that Fox “dispel the rumor” that the radio shock jock is being considered to take over Simon Cowell’s seat after this season.

The PTC has spent the last 15 years barraging the Federal Communications Commission with complaints about indecent programming on broadcast television and radio.

Stern left FM radio for satellite radio in 2006 for a bigger paycheck and editorial freedom after 20 years as an FCC target.

Over the last few weeks, Stern, a big fan of “Idol,” has talked about being a judge without specifically saying he’s in any real negotiations or has even been approached.

His contract with Sirius XM is up at the end of this year.

‘Golden’ oldie for SNL?

Close to 200,000 people on Facebook are urging “Saturday Night Live” to have Betty White as a guest host.

The 88-year-old actress received a lifetime achievement award at the recent Screen Actors Guild Awards and starred in a popular Super Bowl commercial for Snickers.

Kate + book + paycheck

Kate Gosselin has a new book, “I Just Want You to Know,” scheduled for release in April.

Christian book publisher Zondervan said the book features excerpts, prayers and memories from Gosselin’s journal.

The birthday bunch

Actor Hal Holbrook is 85. Actress Rene Russo is 56. Actor Richard Karn is 54. Actor Lou Diamond Phillips is 48. Comedian Larry the Cable Guy is 47. Actor Dominic Purcell is 40. Actress Denise Richards is 39. Singer-guitarist Billie Joe Armstrong (Green Day) is 38. Actor Jerry O’Connell is 36. Actor Jason Ritter is 30. Actor Joseph Gordon-Levitt is 29.