Rumor Mill: Howard Stern back to terrestrial radio?

Word in NY, sent majestically my way, via the strong rumor mill, is that Howard Stern is mulling the very real possibility of returning to that desert oasis called terrestrial radio. Seriously, and how’s that for a nice ‘bababooey’?Stern’s deal with Sirius satellite radio is near expiration, and already the NY media is in deep speculation mode as to where the “King of all Media” will wind up. Or whether he even wants to get back to the radio business at all. Let’s answer both questions.First off, yes, Stern is coming back; radio is his life-blood and where he can dish out his assortment of lesbian jokes, Joan Rivers-”isms”, and how bad Gary’s breath is.Many moons ago, Stern left CBS and got a huge chunk of money, (about $500 million and stock options, although about “only” $100 mill was up front) from Sirius in the days before the collapse of the US economy and the current dire straits.

A time, 2006 to be exact, when satellite radio was hotter than hot and people could actually buy cars and, for about 12 bucks a month, listen to their favorite jazz, sports-talk, country music, and oh, yeah, Howard Stern.2006 seems like ancient history, and the novelty of satellite radio has waned considerably. It doesn’t help matters that one of its biggest boosters, (GM) is in the financial tank, and a healthy dose of subscribers have stopped the service. Read Rest>>

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My Take: I think the above is “angling” at best. SiriusXM isn’t in the radio business, it’s on the Howard Stern business. I think unless SiriusXM goes under, which thanks to Mel Karmizin’s master business moves, isn’t happening, Stern will stay put. That is IF HE EVEN COMES BACK. And I of course think he will in some capacity. He needs to stay on the radio to keep his trophy wife wet. So, I don’t think he’s getting rid of that power/spot light anytime soon. I just don’t think it’s going to be at regular radio. Unless of course, they pull a Michael Jordan at the Wizards deal and give Stern ownership of some radio stations. But, we all saw how the Jordan thing turned out. I think he’s going to come back with SiriusXM. Heavens forbid Tim Sabien got thin only to go back to old-fashioned regular radio.

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Permalink Posted in: celebs, comedy, howard stern, show, sirius June 11, 2009