The term is used pejoratively to describe provocative or irreverent broadcasters whose mannerisms, statements and actions are typically offensive to much of society.
A radio station that relies primarily on shock jocks for programming has what is called a hot talk format.
The term is used in two broad, yet sometimes overlapping, contexts: The idea of an entertainer who breaks taboos or who is deliberately offensive is not a new one: Blue comedians have existed throughout history; take, for example, offensive performers such as George Carlin, Petronius, Benny Bell, Le Pétomane, Redd Foxx and Lenny Bruce.
[2] Greene was an influence on Howard Stern, whose radio shows in the 1980s led to the first widespread use of the term "shock jock".
Many shock jocks have been fired as a result of such punishments as regulatory fines, loss of advertisers, or simply social and political outrage.