Howard Stern made it official today announcing a three-year extension with SiriusXM radio. After months of speculation, Stern made the announcement after initially returning after a stunt involving Andy Cohen earlier this year.
The 71-year-old admitted earlier this year he had considered retiring and had “totally shut down” this summer to take time off and contemplate his future. He added in September that after the reaction to some that he had been “fired” or his show was “canceled” because he had become “woke,” the motivation to continue the program became overwhelming.
“I’m happy to announce that I figured out a way to have it all. More free time and continuing to be on the radio. So yes, we are coming back for three years,” said Stern Tuesday.
The Radio Hall of Famer most recently signed a five-year, $500 million contract with SiriusXM in 2020 but that deal was set to expire at the end of the month. Stern joined SiriusXM in 2005.
“I love this company. I truly do. It’s not horses**t,” said Stern. “I do love this company, and I feel very loyal to this company. They did want me to come back, and they said, whatever you want to do, we’ll do for you. Who says that to anybody? When does your boss say that?”
As for the timing of the announcement, Stern shared with his listeners on Tuesday why he believed his decision wasn’t leaked to the public before he publicly made the announcement.
“You know why there are no leaks? Because I didn’t know anything until the weekend — whether I was staying or going,” Stern said.
Stern began his radio career in Westchester County, New York, at WRNW before moving on to stations in Hartford, Connecticut, and Detroit. By 1985, Stern moved to WNBC in New York City and began syndicating his show nationally. In 1992, he became the first radio personality to be No. 1 in New York and Los Angeles simultaneously. In 2005, due to concerns over station management and FCC censorship, Stern left terrestrial radio for Sirius Satellite Radio.
“I hope I don’t die during this contract,” joked Stern. “I’m at that weird age where people drop dead, you know what I mean? So who knows?”
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