Beth Stern has given a rare insight into the negotiations behind her husband Howard Stern’s new SiriusXM deal, and says the radio legend is thriving under his new arrangement.
Talking further Andy Cohen live on SiriusXM Wednesday, Beth, 53, revealed she played a “very influential” role in the contract negotiations and made it clear she had no intention of encouraging Howard to step away from the microphone just yet.
“I feel like it’s very good for him to continue. He still enjoys doing it. He’s still, I think, very good at it. I think it keeps him connected,” she said.
She added that the show gives her husband, 72, an outlet for the endless stream of thoughts he would otherwise have nowhere to put.
On how things have gone since the new deal took effect: “I think his new schedule is working really well for him. I think he’s very happy with it.”
Howard himself announced the contract back in December, putting to rest the retirement rumors that had swirled around him for some time.
Sign up for another three years with SiriusXMhe told listeners he had found a way to get it all, more time to himself while on air.
“I’m happy to announce that I’ve figured out a way to have it all. More free time and still be on the radio. Yes, we’re coming back for three years.”
The new arrangement, he said at the time, would give him considerably more flexibility, which suits him just fine. “I like my days off. You know me, I’m never bored. I’m busy every minute.”
Beth’s appearance on Andy Cohen live comes against a somewhat turbulent background.
In April, the Sterns were sued by former executive assistant Leslie Kuhn, who alleged a hostile work environment and described the pressures of managing their Hamptons home, including, according to court documents, assisting with an extensive cat rescue and promoting Operation Beth Runs from the Property.
Kuhn also claimed she was presented with a non-disclosure agreement she denies ever signing and that the reasons for her dismissal were made up.
Howard has since moved to have the $2.5 million lawsuit dismissed, calling it a “shakedown” and a “transparent sham” of the lawsuits.
His attorney, Ilene Farkas, said the family would not play out the case publicly, but noted that the Sterns are “entitled to enforce nondisclosure agreements signed by employees who enter their home and their privacy.”
The Howard Stern Show has been a staple of American television since 1986 and moved to SiriusXM in 2006, where it has been ever since.
Based on Wednesday’s comments, it sounds like it’s not going anywhere anytime soon.
