Howard Stern

When Howard Stern was going from terrestrial to satellite, he was everywhere. When he knew he was in a position to get some bonuses, he hit the circuit talking up Sirius. Lately he has not been anywhere. Howard did not earn a bonus last year, and this year getting a bonus seemed promised to be an even harder task. The merger has happened, and Howard seems virtually silent.

Sure, he is in bumpers that air on both Sirius and XM, but where are the Letterman appearances? Where is the push to get the word out? Perhaps tying the lack of activity to a bonus is wrong, but money is a powerful motivator, and we did see a lot more activity when he did get bonuses than when we did not.

One frustrating moment came when Scott Greenstein suggested that Howard broadcast the show from the Super Bowl in January. Howard did not seem thrilled with the idea, indicated that his studio was in New York, and that live remotes are not as good as studio shows. While this may be true, live remotes bring their own promotional value, and listeners understand this. Besides, a live remote would give Howard exposure to people that otherwise have not heard Stern in quite some time.

Continue Reading »

The BEST OF programming on Sirius XM Radio may provide a shock jock solution for Sirius subscribers who love their Howard Stern, but express frustration on the days when Stern is on vacation, or when there are replays of the Stern show instead of a live show.

It is no secret that Howard Stern gets a lot of time off. After all, the King of All Media gets three day weekends thanks to a contract that allows him to take of every Friday. Last year, Sirius added Jay Thomas to the Friday morning slot on Howard 101 which provided a solution to the problem of no live programming on Friday’s. The solution was great, and as a fan of Jay Thomas, I enjoy being able to catch him in morning drive. Jay already has an afternoon drive slot on Sirius Stars 102.

However, what is a fan to do when they want a topical shock jock show when Stern and the crew are on vacation? One potential answer is Opie and Anthony. Now for passionate Stern and O & A fans, the crossover idea may seem strange. After all, there seems to be no love loss between Stern and O & A, and that attitude permeates through to the core fans. However, there exists a large group of subscribers that simply want to be entertained, and their allegiance to one brand over another is not so strong that they will ignore a quality show in the absence of their usual listening.

Lately, the Stern channels have been running replays. With Stern getting married, and regularly scheduled vacations, fans have not received the live entertainment that they have come to love. Subscribers who have taken advantage of the BEST OF programming now have a solution in the form of Opie and Anthony from the XM line-up.

For O & A, this is an opportunity to shine, and a chance to expand their own audience. The duo have been putting on entertaining shows, and are likely getting a bit of exposure from frustrated Stern fans who are seeking something other than a replay to listen to. If you are into Stern, and sometimes want a change of pace, the BEST of programming offers a great way to keep your shock jock options open.

Position - Long SIRI

Within three months of the merger, SIRIUS XM Radio has committed to getting a “BEST OF” option available to consumers. Unlike true A-La-Carte programming, “BEST OF” will work on all existing services with legacy receivers on both the Sirius as well as the XM system. The “BEST OF” programming is simply the broadcasting of content that used to be available on only one network onto the other network using existing technology and systems.

Howard Stern will likely be the biggest “BEST OF” draw. Stern, used to only be available on Sirius, and for those that bought a car that only installed XM, were either forced to buy a Sirius retail device and get a full subscription to Sirius on top of their XM subscription, or to simply do without him.

These consumers now have an inexpensive and viable option that allows them to access Howard’s channels without the cost of new equipment, without cluttering up the dashboard, and without paying a full $12.95 per month for the second service. For an additional $4.04 per month, XM subscribers will not only get Howard Stern, but several other “BEST OF” channels from the Sirius line-up.

The “BEST OF” concept goes both ways. Sirius subscribers will have access to XM’s best for the same $4.04 per month. Many consumers feel that the sports programming will cross over as part of this package. I do not believe this to be the case, at least not on an “every game” basis. Negotiations with the major sports outlets likely still need to be conducted to deal with the new concept of a merger. Look for “BEST OF” to include exclusive content that is controlled by each respective entity.

Continue Reading »

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:

Continue Reading »

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