Stern's punishment appears to have done him no harm

Stern was dropped by US company Clear Channel for indecency on air.

The clampdown followed Janet Jackson's breast exposure during the Super Bowl in February.

But Stern's audience figures went up between January and March in the three biggest US markets - New York, Los Angeles and Chicago.

His audience in New York increased by 22% compared with the previous quarter, said the Arbitron radio ratings service.

Anger

He also returned to the number one spot among Los Angeles listeners aged 25 - 54 for the first time since 1995.

In Chicago, his listening figures increased by 23% in the morning drive-time slot.

Stern has blamed the suspension of his show in February on a conservative backlash following Janet Jackson's Super Bowl appearance.

He told listeners at the time that he was "under attack" and regulators had been "after me since 1992".

"Then Janet whipped out her boob and it's all over," he said.

Stern was then officially axed by US media giant Clear Channel earlier this month after regulators fined it $495,000 (�270,000) for indecency in his show.

The show was removed from the air following a risque interview involving sexually explicit language.

Stern was interviewing Rick Salomon, who was filmed having sex with hotel heiress Paris Hilton.

Clear Channel president John Hogan said the show was "vulgar and insulting".