Howard Stern

Today it was learned that the news we have all been waiting for is upon us. Sirius and Riley Martin have come to terms on a six month agreement so that the popular Riley Martin Radio Show on Howard 101 will continue. Three weeks of reruns have been aired leaving subscribers embroiled in a mystery as to whether Riley would still be on the air. Howard stern answered the question this morning by informing listeners that indeed the Riley Martin Show would continue.

Martin, called into the show and confirmed the news in a riveting way that had listeners pulling to the side of the road so that they did not miss one utterance of Martin. While the news has been well received by Martin fans, there will be no new broadcasts until the documentation of the contract is executed. We have heard rumor that Sirius’ Tim Sabien is not taking issue with the per show value of the contract, but wanted to get a new Biavian symbol issued to 12 of his closest friends at a discount. Riley, ever the staunch negotiator held firm to his price of $38.50 per symbol, but did say that if Stern gave him a live appearance on his show, that Riley would go ahead and forward the symbols. now that the live appearance is complete, fans can look forward to the Return of Riley Martin to the Howard Stern line-up.

Seriously though……Riley Martin is staying with Sirius to share his alien experiences with listeners. While this may not be the news you were looking for and hoping for, it is a story none the less. With everything else PENDING, it is good to report on something that has been accomplished.

Position - Long Sirius, Long XM

Howard Stern has been nominated for the Radio Hall of Fame. In most cases the nominees take such news with reverence, and are excited to be recognized. This was not at all the case for Howard Stern. Yesterday he stated that after all of the years he has been in this business, ad all of the things he has brought to radio, why NOW would he be nominated. Howard’s take on the situation seems to be a cross between arrogance, and being perturbed.

Howard has done a lot for radio. Anyone who wants to speak truthfully about it will acknowledge this. But…as a “bad boy” of radio, he has never really gotten the credit he deserves from the “serious” side of radio. The fact that over two decades has passed and it is only now that he garners such a nomination would be a bit insulting given the level of his commitment to the medium and his influence and success.

Setting all of that aside, Howard actually stated that he would prefer to not be nominated, and that he wants nothing to do with the radio hall of fame. In fact, he went so far as to say that he would not participate even if the paid him a million dollars, and then told the Radio Hall of fame to suck his d*ck!!!

So, is Howard really this dissatisfied with the radio hall of Fame, or will his stance even matter? Voting for the nominees will be conducted on line, and run from May 1, 2008 through June 15, 2008. Because of who he is, Howard may just win the vote anyway. His fans tend to be active on the net, and he carries more of a presence than other nominees which include:

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In recent weeks there has been speculation as to what would happen with Scott Ferrall, who has been comfortably enjoying his 8 o’clock slot on Howard 101 for the last couple of years. Sirius announced today that the edgy sports commentator would be renewing his contract, and will remain on the Howard Stern channel.

“Scott Ferrall thunders through the world of sports at a hundred miles an hour every weeknight on SIRIUS, telling it like it is and letting his fans do the same,” said Scott Greenstein, SIRIUS’ President, Entertainment and Sports. “He remains the perfect fit for the Howard Stern channels.”

“I work for Howard Stern, ‘The King of all Media,’ and SIRIUS Satellite Radio,” said Scott Ferrall. “I couldn’t walk away from the revolution — it’s too much fun.”

On Saturday, April 26 Ferrall will host a special live broadcast from NFL Draft Fan Central outside Radio City Music Hall in midtown Manhattan. This one-time show will air from 3:00 - 4:00 pm ET on Howard 101 and will feature Ferrall in front of a live audience talking directly to fans in attendance as the 2008 NFL Draft kicks off.

It should also be noted that Ferrall is set to make his feature film debut in Redbelt, the mixed martial arts drama written and directed by David Mamet. In the movie Ferrall plays who else? Himself, an opinionated loud mouthed sports broadcaster. Redbelt premieres Friday, April 25 at the Tribeca Film Festival in New York City.

For those of you who still don’t know, the Scott Ferrall Show airs live Monday-Friday from 8:00 pm - 12:00 am ET on Howard 101.

After what happened last week with Artie Lange last week, fans are all wondering when it will happen again. The answer is THIS WEEKEND. The Artie Lange vs. Teddy saga will be replayed all weekend long on Howard Sterns Sirius channels. In addition, fans will get a dose of Stern Show reality via Howard TV, which will also air the show.

Stern fans can catch a glimpse of the video right here at Sirius Buzz (video below).

In the immediate aftermath of the Lange meltdown, Stern pulled the tapes, and fans were left speculating for a week while the show was on vacation. Stern said he pulled the tapes out of concern, and wanted to let cooler heads prevail. A week off seems to have done the trick. Artie is back, and it appears that all is forgiven.

Artie seems to be in better spirits, and is even taking the events with a bit of humbleness that show that he realizes the seriousness of what transpired. The fact that Artie is not running away from the events, or what transpired after discussion about his future on the show were being considered is a credit to Artie Lange. maybe there is hope for Artie yet. Credit Lange for having the courage to let these tapes air, because I do not think Stern would have aired them if Artie was sensitive to the issue.

So, If you missed the show when it first aired, you will now have your chance to not only hear it again, but see it as well. Fans can tune into the Stern channels on Sirius, or contact their cable operator about getting Howard TV.

Position - Long Sirius

The moment we have all been waiting for has finally arrived and contrary to the rumors Artie Lange is in fact back in his regular seat on the show.

I am not going to pretend for a second that I knew this would be the case after Artie’s on air resignation last week but, it did seem likely that he would be back. What people tend to forget is that although this may not be acceptable behavior in corporate America this is hardly crazy for the Howard Stern Show. Shocking? Yes, but hardly unfathomable.

What will the future hold for Artie? I don’t think anyone can say for sure but, it seems clear that no matter how hard this schedule/show may be for Artie’s lifestyle, this show holds a special place in his heart and Howard won’t be replacing him anytime soon.

In case you were not aware, there is now a great show on Stern 101 Friday mornings. Jay Thomas has become the defacto Friday morning host, and will now carry a regular show on the Stern network. In his first show as a permanent Friday host, Jay Thomas had the good fortune of being able to deliver some additional news regarding the Artie Lange saga that unfolded yesterday.

Artie is indeed in Amsterdam. The news was confirmed with a live call from Jason Kaplan of the Strern Show as he sat at an Amsterdam cafe. Kaplan confirmed that both Artie Lange and Teddy made the trip. Kaplan has not yet seen Artie but has placed a couple of phone calls to him.

Robin Quivers, a Stern how staple, called into the live segment of Jay Thomas’ show and offered additional insight, and is in fact on the air as I write this piece. Shuli, also a member of the Stern Show staff, and frequent participant with Jay Thomas added a bit more information on Artie. In a text message, it was confirmed that Artie was on the same plane with Teddy. At one tense moment as Teddy boarded the plane, he had to pass by Artie who was seated in First Class. The pair exchanged glances. Teddy says that he and Artie have not spoken, and Teddy stated that he is making it a point to avoid Artie during the trip.

So, we have some news on Artie, and the news that the Friday morning dilemma for Stern fans has been solved. Jay Thomas is a wonderful talent who hosts a regular afternoon drive show on Sirius Stars 102. His regular afternoon show will continue, and now he will entertain listeners on Friday mornings. With the addition of Jay Thomas on Fridays, and Vinnie Politan having a regular morning show, the morning drive situation at Sirius is far better today than it was a month ago.

Kudos to Sirius for addressing the morning drive issues in the programming line-up, and we all hope that the Artie situation comes to a reasonable conclusion that addresses Arties issues, maintains the show people love, and lets fans get back to great radio.

Congratulations to Jay Thomas for adding a quality Friday morning show to his already impressive repertoire on Sirius.

Read More On The Artie Saga - ARTIE EXPLODES ON STERN SHOW and ARTIE LANG CLIFFHANGER

Position - Long Sirius, Long XM

Between Howard Stern no longer broadcasting during the Friday drive time and his previously scheduled upcoming vacation next week (convenient), his listeners will have to hold their breath until NEXT Monday (April 21st) to hear the latest news and information regarding the drama that unfolded this afternoon when Artie Lange exploded on the Howard Stern Show.

West coast listeners may have a bit of frustration over the situation, because instead of replaying the show in later hours, Sirius is broadcasting yesterdays show. This leaves many wondering exactly what has happened. We called Sirius’ Customer Service, and were told that there are “technical difficulties with a few channels that have been reported to corporate and are being worked on”. While this may be the official part line, I find it suspect that the “technical difficulties” have interfered with what may be the most wanted Howard Stern radio segment in recent memory.

While the issue is indeed sensitive, it is also radio gold. The story will not simply fade away, and Artie’s explosion will be the subject of message board banter over the entire weekend. This will mean that Monday’s Howard Stern Show will be highly anticipated, and listeners will finally be able to learn what happened after Artie left the building.

Orbitcast caught a clip (below) and has some additional transcript information.

Listen To Sirius Buzz Radio Tonight at 10:30 PM Eastern

Position - Long Sirius

Artie Lange seems to be a person that deals in extremes. Yesterday, a docile Artie slept his way through the Howard Stern Show, and today, he exploded into a rage that resulted in a physical altercation with his assistant Teddy.

It all started when Artie and Teddy had an argument in the hallway. Ever the show host, Stern brought Teddy into the studio to do an on air resolution to what Artie and Teddy were arguing about. The segment was boisterous and started out as something entertaining to listen to. It was obvious that Artie was upset, but no one could have foreseen what happened at the end of the segment.

The argument went from Teddy messing up on some assignments, to a discussion of what exactly teddy’s responsibilities were, to how much money Teddy makes as an assistant to Artie. At one point, Lange accused Teddy of stealing money from him, and being ungrateful for additional bonuses and loans that Artie had given Teddy.

Then the Flash Point.

Artie threw a glass of water across the studio, jumped over the studio console, and went right after Teddy. The studio erupted into confusion as Stern Show staffers threw themselves between the 300 pound Lange, and Teddy. Artie was so angered that he literally would have ripped off Teddy’s head had he been able to get to him. Robin was screaming, Stern was calling for control, and the sounds of a scuffle filled the airwaves.

Once settled, Howard expressed grave concern for what had transpired. Artie came back into the studio, and was still angered. At one point Lange even spoke of resigning from the show. Stern stated that the behavior exhibited by Artie was unacceptable and that informed Artie that he needs to maintain control of himself. Artie, speaking about himself said that he was not a good person, and there was no way he could guarantee that such an episode would not happen again. It was suggested that Artie leave the studio, which he did.

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Well, it seems that when listeners speak Sirius is indeed listening. Today on Howard 101, Sirius avoided a “replay” of some form or another and opted to give listeners a live show featuring Jay Thomas (who has a regular show on Sirius Stars in afternoon drive). This provided a breath of fresh air in the morning drive slot that has long been missing.

While today’s event does not appear to be permanent, it is indicative that Sirius is trying to solve a few issues that are at hand with morning drive programming.

1. Sirius needs a Friday morning show that Stern fans can tune to. Some like the “Best-of” shows, but even as good as they are, they are not a replacement for a live morning show. Jay Thomas on Howard 101 this morning was topical, funny, and provided for an entertaining commute. Some fans would like to see Factions Jason Ellis get a Friday morning shot. Ellis has a regular afternoon show on Sirius Faction.

2. Even if Sirius solves the Stern on Friday’s situation, they are still lacking a Stern alternative for fans that want a good show that is less edgy. In my mind it is shameful that Sirius Stars 102 lacks a regular morning drive show. Another channel in need of a quality morning show is Sirius’s’ new channel Indie Talk 110. A personality such as Vinnie Politan would fill a morning drive role on either channel with ease, and in Vinnie’s case, there is already a built in fan base.

3. In my opinion Sirius needs 3 good morning shows that cover a wide demographic. Stern is a given. If Vinnie Politan comes back, then Sirius would still need to fill one slot. At that point, they will have good diversity and selection of shows that can meet the listening desires of the subscribers. Afternoon drive is full of great shows. It is time that morning drive had a similar offering.

What Sirius did this morning with Jay Thomas was wonderful. They need to keep it up. Some callers that called into the Jay Thomas show actually expressed gratitude that there was a show to listen to. The dynamic of the show was great, now it is time to make some permanent moves for a better listening experience.

Position - Long Sirius, XM

CNB’s Jim Cramer made a rare appearance on the Howard Stern Show today, and he pulled no punches when it came to speaking about the proposed merger of Sirius and XM Satellite Radio. Cramer told Stern that this merger has had more oversight than the Iraq war, that the members of Congress are in the hip pockets of terrestrial radio, that the DOJ has rubber stamped merger after merger, and that the fact that this merger has taken so long is a travesty and an injustice. The CNBC Mad Money host went on to say that he feels the merger will pass by June.

On a side subject, it might be interesting to watch Black N’ Decker today, as Cramer recommended that Artie Lang invest his $78,000 in Super Bowl winnings in the tool making giant.

Position - Long Sirius, Long XM, No Position Black N’ Decker