Porn Valley- In addition to the wire stories that have come out this morning announcing his moved to satellite radio, Howard Stern took several minutes on his radio show this morning to explain the reasons why and some of the details that prompted the move.
The move was an imminent one, but Stern said he had to keep a lot of details under his because of stock issues. “SEC and all that,” said Stern. “But I can say it now because I’ve signed the deal.” Stern said he had to think long and hard about what he wanted to do with his future. Stern made a note that he wasn’t breaking his contract, that he was finishing out his term with Viacom. “But I am leaving- it’s a done deal. I am leaving this kind of radio and going to the future of radio.”
Robin Quivers likened it to the building of the Taj Mahal. “And having to leave it.” Stern said he was going to devote his life to making Sirius satellite “the most awesome, the most incredible thing you’ll ever hear.” Part of his deal, according to Stern, was getting three channels to program. “Not only have they made a commitment to me that was second to none, but they are allowing me for the first time to program.” As a result, Stern said he’ll be doing business with some people he’s been at odds with. “Some people can expect to hear from me and I’m going to bring everyone under one umbrella.” Stern stressed that it was no knock against Viacom [which buckled under to the FCC over the Janet Jackson issue] but made it very clear that there was no growth for him there, either.
Stern complained that he couldn’t go on another 50 markets. “I can’t go on most states in this country because of the FCC and what they’re doing to me. They stopped me from doing business. It’s a miracle that not only are our revenues up but my ratings are up. But I want to grow. I want to reach the whole country and in a flick of a switch I can reach the whole country.” Realizing that satellite’s in his infancy, Stern said he’s put his money where his mouth is on the deal and that it has re-ignited a fire in him. “I want to create a brand new medium. I have been on fire like never before. I cannot wait to do this radio and I cannot wait to tell you my plans for the channel and all the things I will develop.”
According to Stern, in his sit-down with Sirius, their feeling was that he’s everything to the business. “You’re the one who can change it.” Stern said he had been tempted to tell his parents about the deal beforehand but was told it could affect the stock price. “If they went out and bought Sirius stock then I would be joining Martha Stewart. No one knew.”
Stern said he could have press released the story. “But that would have been silly.” He went on to proclaim what a great group of guys Sirius was and thanked his sponsors for standing behind him every step of the way. “We’re going to make this the best 15 months of radio. This isn’t farewell. We’re going to stay on the radio but a different kind of radio. The kind of radio you can hear all over the country at the flick of a button and no censorship. I’ve been stifled for ten friggin’ years.”
Stern acknowledged that satellite radio was in its infancy. “I think the product is great but we’re going to put this on the map. Someone in radio who is presently in radio who’s making top dollar revenue has got to step up and be the first. I’m willing to do it.”
Stern also reported that the channel he’ll be on, won’t be a premium one. “You don’t pay any extra for it.” Stern was also looking to invite some other performers to join him on that channel. “This is the first time in my career- not only can I use my name for myself- but I would like to embrace some other performers. I tried doing that here. I tried to start a Howard Stern radio network but for whatever reason because of government interference and everything else, everyone said you can’t do it.”
Asked if his new show might be commercial free, Stern said he didn’t have an answer for that. “There might be some sponsors as well.” As it looks now, Stern will continue in his 6am to 10 am slot. “And that show will be repeated later in the day as well.” Stern said he signed a five-year deal to acknowledge his level of commitment.
“We’re going to die together,” quipped Gary Dell’Abate. Stern said he didn’t arrive at the decision easily. “There was a part of me that wanted to go off and re-invent myself another way. I am so jazzed about my decision that I decided to commit to radio. You can’t do this kind of project in a year. This is long term. This is me being the cheerleader for satellite radio. I’m going to be going out on the road talking to people about it. I’m going to take this as a personal mission statement that this is something that has to be undone otherwise these FCC chumps win. Otherwise it’s the end of my career.” That, said Stern, or the alternative was being censored at every available opportunity.
With his leaving for apparent greener pastures, Stern predicted that this would be the end of broadcast radio. “FM killed AM.”