LOS ANGELES, CA (Catholic Online) - The outspoken 63-year-old host, unpopular with some listeners for her conservative views, told Larry King that she wants to "regain my First Amendment rights."

Her latest controversy was when she used the N-word repeatedly during an on-air conversation with a caller last week. Schlessinger spoke with an African-American caller on August 10 who was seeking advice on how to deal with racist comments from her white husband's friends and relatives.

The conversation evolved into a discussion on whether it's appropriate to use the word, ever. Schlessinger used the epithet 11 times in five minutes, and then argued that the word is used on HBO and by black comedians.

"Black guys use it all the time. Turn on HBO, listen to a black comic, and all you hear is ." Schlessinger then said the N-word three times, and then accused the caller of being overly sensitive and lacking in a sense of humor.

Schlessinger apologized the next day, saying, "I was attempting to make a philosophical point, and I articulated the N-word all the way out -- more than one time. And that was wrong. I'll say it again -- that was wrong."

In announcing her decision "not to do radio anymore" after being in the business for more than 30 years, Schlessinger said, "I want to be able to say what's on my mind and in my heart and what I think is helpful and useful without somebody getting angry or some special-interest group deciding this is a time to silence a voice of dissent."

While Schlessinger told King she was still "regretful" over the incident, she said she feels her freedom of speech rights "have been usurped by angry, hateful groups who don't want to debate -- they want to eliminate.

"I decided it was time to move on to other venues where I could say my piece and not have to live in fear anymore," she said.

Schlessinger plans to expand her Internet presence with her Web site.

"I'm not retiring. I'm not quitting," she said. "I feel energized actually, stronger and freer to say the things that I believe need to be said for people in this country."