Howard Stern on Satellite Radio

[TexasStooge]

Howard Stern to jump to satellite radio

NEW YORK (Associated Press) - Top-ranked shock jock Howard Stern says he is leaving Infinity Broadcasting Corp. to join Sirius satellite radio, beginning in January 2006, where he'll get the national audience he has coveted.

Stern announced Wednesday that he has signed a five-year, multimillion dollar contract with Sirius, a national distributor of commericial-free music and sport programming. Stern will be heard in every market across the country, according to a joint statement from Stern and Sirius.

Stern's show corners the radio market among males 18-49 years of age and ranks No. 1 in many of the 46 major markets where his show is broadcast.

"It has been my dream to have the top-rated show in radio since I was five years old," Stern said in a statement. "Sirius - the future of radio - will take this dream to a whole new level as I bring my fans my show my way. It will be the best radio they will ever hear."

Sirius CEO Joseph P. Clayton said, "Signing Howard Stern is, without a doubt, the most exciting and transformational event in the history of radio.

"He is an entertainment force of unprecedented recognition and popularity in the broadcast world, who is capable of changing the face of satellite radio and generating huge numbers of subscribers for Sirius."

A call to Infinity for comment was not immediately returned.

Sirius said Stern will be heard in every market across the country.

Stern has fought to keep his show on the air in some conventional markets.

Earlier this year, Clear Channel Communications dropped Stern from the six markets, including San Diego and Pittsburgh, after complaints from federal regulators. Stern's show often features sexually explicit remarks and off-color humor. In June, Stern announced his show would go on the air in nine new markets owned by Infinity, including four where Clear Channel stations dropped it.

Sirius reaches more than 10 million DISH Network satellite TV and Sirius Satellite Radio subscribers nationwide, providing listeners with over 120 channels of commercial-free music, sports, information and entertainment.

Infinity, a subsidiary of Viacom Inc., has about 185 stations in 40 U.S. markets, according to Hoovers.com.

[alicia-w]

Wow, another opportunity to practice changing the channel and utilizing the on/off button!

[rockythehusky]

This is the kind of deal that Bubba The Love Sponge in Tampa needs since he was kicked off the air for what was the biggest indecency fine in FCC history

[southerngale]

Howard Stern to jump to satellite radio

How about he jumps OFF a satellite tower?

[weathermom]

How about we just put him ON the satellite, thats about the only good place I can think of for him!

[chadtm80]

He has been back on the air here in Central Florida for a few months.. One of my FAVORITE radio stations.. Well guess what, That station NO LONGER gets play in my car or my house.. and I sent them an emailing explaining why they lost me as a listener He is a poster child for whats wrong in this country

[drudd1]

Actually, like him or not, the fact that he is on the air at all shows why this country is so great. It's called freedom of speech. I am by no means a fan of his, but respect his, and the media's right to broadcast his show. Like what was pointed out previously, you can switch stations or hit the power button. What's wrong with this country goes far deeper than Howard Stern. Howard pales in comparison to what many folks see and face in this country every day.