Beth Stern offered a rare insight into the negotiations behind her husband Howard Stern’s new contract. SiriusXM deal, and says the radio legend is thriving under his new arrangement.
Speaking on Andy Cohen live Wednesday on SiriusXM, Beth, 53, revealed that she played a “very influential” role in contract negotiations and made it clear that she has no plans to encourage Howard to step away from the mic anytime soon.
“I think 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 series gives her husband, 72, an outlet for the endless stream of thoughts he otherwise would have nowhere to put.
As for how things have evolved since the new contract came into effect: “I think his new schedule suits him very well. I think he’s very happy with it.”
Howard himself announced the contract in December, putting to rest retirement rumors that had been swirling around him for some time.
Commit for three more years with SiriusXMhe told listeners that he had found a way to have it all, more time for himself while still remaining on the air.
“I’m happy to report that I’ve found 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 much more flexibility, which suits him just fine. “I love my days off. You know me, I’m never bored. I’m busy every minute.”
Beth’s appearance on Andy Cohen live takes place in a somewhat turbulent context.
In April, the Sterns were sued by former executive assistant Leslie Kuhn, who alleged a hostile work environment and described the pressures of running their Hamptons home, including, according to court documents, participating in a large cat rescue and foster operation. Beth flees the property.
Kuhn also claimed that she was presented with a nondisclosure agreement that she denies ever signing and that the reasons given for her termination were fabricated.
Howard has since moved to dismiss the $2.5 million lawsuit, calling it a “shakedown” and a “transparent sham” in court filings.
His attorney, Ilene Farkas, said the family would not go public with the matter, but noted that the Sterns were “entitled to enforce nondisclosure agreements signed by employees who enter their homes and privacy.”
The Howard Stern Show has been a staple of American broadcasting since 1986, establishing itself SiriusXM in 2006 where he has remained ever since.
Based on Wednesday’s comments, it appears this isn’t going to come to fruition any time soon.
