Dr. Laura to host Sirius radio show

NEW YORK, Nov. 29 (UPI) -- U.S. therapist and author Dr. Laura Schlessinger has signed on as host of a live, three-hour daily, call-in show, Sirius XM said Monday.

She will offer no-nonsense advice on personal, work and family issues, said the satellite radio company, which will now be the exclusive home to the personality known as Dr. Laura.

The program is to begin Jan. 3 and will air live Monday through Friday from 2-5 p.m. EST on Sirius XM Stars, on Sirius Internet Radio, XM Radio Online and through the Sirius XM App for the Apple iPhone, iPod Touch and many BlackBerry and Android-powered smartphone devices.

"Coming to Sirius XM is an amazingly freeing transition from terrestrial radio for me. Satellite radio is a forum where a diverse group of people get to speak their minds without fear," Schlessinger said in a statement. "I can't wait to preach, teach and nag about morals, values, ethics and principles. My brain is buzzing with new ideas for my program's content, direction and expansion, including guest interviews with people who intrigue and inspire me. I couldn't be more giggly if you tickled me."

"On Sirius XM, Dr. Laura will have a strong, national platform to do what she does best," added Scott Greenstein, president and chief content officer of Sirius XM Radio. "As the new home to one of the most popular shows in radio today, Sirius XM once again delivers to subscribers content that cannot be found elsewhere. We welcome Dr. Laura into our diverse, compelling and thought-provoking lineup."

Schlessinger, 63, announced last August that she would be leaving traditional radio after she came under fire for repeatedly using "the N-word" while speaking with a black caller to her syndicated advice show.

"At the end of the year, when my contract runs out, I've decided not to do a radio show anymore," she said at the time. "I want my First Amendment rights back, which I can't have on radio, without the threat of attack on my advertisers and stations."