Hold Up of Stern Going to Satellite Is Contract

LAS VEGAS - When the National Association of Broadcasters meets in Las Vegas Sunday, much talk will be raised about when, not if, Howard Stern moves over to satellite radio.

Stern, whose Clear Channel broadcasts drew record fines and threats of yanking licenses from the Federal Communications Commission this month, has been talking on the air about a move to satellite radio.

And it’s a likely fit.

There, Stern can bring on the raunch to the radio equivalent of cable TV, where content can be as racy as it wants. Satellite radio is unregulated because it is only available to paid subscribers.

The only holdup to talks between the satellite stations may be the contract Stern has with Infinity Broadcasting, which airs the show on 35 stations and has an estimated 15 million listeners.

Infinity has repeatedly said it would stand by him, even as it fights indecency.

With 2 million subscribers between them, XM Satellite Radio and Sirius Satellite Radio, a Stern move would help build numbers, and he can say whatever he wants.

XM and Sirius both already have adult fare.

XM includes the "Raw" hip-hop show and the Playboy radio station, which airs the "Playboy Advisor" and a show "Night Calls" with hostesses Juli and Tiffany.

Sirius, which features Pamela Anderson in a wet tank top in an advertising campaign, has a show called "Raw Dog Comedy," which it claims is "uncensored, unregulated and undeniably funny."

With the possible defection, radio broadcasters may be worried about the competition.

"I don't know if we'd call them a serious threat at this point." Dennis Wharton, spokesman for the National Association of Broadcasters, said. “But it’s competition.”

XM, which has 1.7 million subscribers who pay $9.95 a month for the basic package, said it is happy to talk to Stern.

"In the radio business, there are few celebrities and talents that have lasted 20 years, and he's one of them," Panero said during a satellite industry panel discussion.

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

Isa Bella, Selena Ivy Topline 'Lesbian Sex 28'

Isa Bella and Selena Ivy headline the latest release from Girlfriends Films, titled “Lesbian Sex 28.”

Catherine Knight Stars in Latest From Brazzers

Catherine Knight stars in the latest release from Brazzers, titled "GRWM (To Fuck)."

Federal Appeals Court Vacates FTC 'Click to Cancel' Rule Pending Review

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 8th Circuit on Tuesday vacated the Federal Trade Commission’s “click-to-cancel” rule aimed at making it easier for consumers to cancel online subscriptions, pending further review.

Elegant Angel Premieres Nicole Kitt Showcase 'Cats Eye'

Nicole Kitt gets the spotlight in a new four-part showcase release from Elegant Angel.

Private Releases 'The Love Hotel 2'

Private has released “The Love Hotel 2,” directed by Dave Menich.

Ember Fiera, Jesse Pony Headline 'TS Girls Do It Best' Sequel From TransSensual

Ember Fiera and Jesse Pony topline the sequel to “TS Girls Do It Best” from Mile High Media studio imprint TransSensual.

Khloe Kapri, Melissa Stratton Topline 'Lesbian Trainer 3' From Sweetheart Video

Khloe Kapri and Melissa Stratton headline the third volume of “Lesbian Trainer” from Mile High Media studio imprint Sweetheart Video.

FSC Drops Florida AV Lawsuit in Wake of SCOTUS Decision

A U.S. district court judge granted on Tuesday a motion by Free Speech Coalition to dismiss the trade association’s lawsuit over Florida’s age verification law, a case that had been on hold pending the Supreme Court’s recent ruling on the constitutionality of state AV laws.

Gal Ritchie Toplines Dorcel's 'Pigalle'

2025 XMAs winner Gal Ritchie stars with Clara Mia in the latest feature from Dorcel, titled “Pigalle.”

Ukrainian President Responds to Porn Legalization Petition

President Volodymyr Zelensky responded Tuesday to an OnlyFans model’s petition to decriminalize pornography in Ukraine, stating that he would wait for the legislative process to play out “in accordance with established procedure.”

Show More