Howard Stern ends speculation about his future by signing new contract at SiriusXM
Howard Stern has put speculation about his future at SiriusXM to bed by signing a new long-term contract.
News of Stern signing a three-year extension came from the man himself during the latest episode of The Howard Stern Show on December 16th.
He told viewers, “I’m happy to announce that I’ve figured out a way to have it all.” Stern continued, “More free time, and continuing to be on the radio. So yes, we are coming back for three years.”
Stern currently broadcasts three episodes per week on SiriusXM. However, his comments regarding “more free time” suggest that his schedule will be reduced. The broadcaster previously hosted shows every weekday when he joined the digital station in 2006, before dropping down to a three-day work week in 2011.
In September, following intense tabloid speculation that he was due to leave SiriusXM upon the expiry of his contract, Stern pulled an elaborate on-air prank and pretended to quit.
The show on September 9th unexpectedly began with Andy Cohen as host, telling listeners that Stern’s channel on Sirius XM had rebranded to Andy100. The Watch What Happens Live star told listeners: “I know you’re expecting a big announcement from Howard and this is not how things were meant to go.”
Shortly later, Stern was back where he belonged in the saddle, thanking Cohen for doing his “little bit” in ensuring the prank was a success. “Lest anyone think that was real, that was all masterminded by me,” the broadcaster proudly told listeners.
He also used the episode to respond to speculation about his future, telling listeners, “Everything you’ve been reading in the paper about me or about Robin (Quivers) is completely false.”
Additionally, Stern, who often flirts with the idea of retirement on air, then claimed that’s no longer an option due to the reports, saying, “What pisses me off is now I can’t leave.” The radio icon added, “Now I can’t because then they’ll say I got pushed out, so I’ll be back. Fuck you.”
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