Beth Stern has offered a rare glimpse into the negotiations behind her husband Howard Stern’s new contract. SiriusXM deal, and says the radio legend is thriving with his new deal.
speaking in Andy Cohen live On SiriusXM on Wednesday, Beth, 53, revealed that she played a “very influential” role in the contract talks and made it clear that she has no intention of encouraging Howard to step away from the microphone anytime soon.
“I feel like it’s very good for him to continue. He still enjoys doing it. I think he’s still very good at it. I think it keeps him grounded,” he said.
She added that the program gives her husband, 72, an outlet for the endless stream of thoughts he otherwise would have nowhere to put.
As for how things are going since the new deal went into effect: “I think his new schedule is working very well for him. I think he’s very happy with it.”
Howard himself announced the contract in December, putting an end to retirement rumors that had been swirling around him for some time.
Sign for another three years with SiriusXMHe told listeners that he had found a way to have it all, more time for himself while staying on the air.
“I’m happy to announce that I’ve discovered a way to have it all. More free time and still be in radio. Yes, we’ll be back for three years.”
The new agreement, he said then, would give him much more flexibility, which suits him. “I like my days off. You know me, I’m never bored. I’m busy every minute.”
Beth’s appearance in Andy Cohen live It is presented 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, helping with an extensive cat rescue and fostering operation that Beth runs from the property.
Kuhn also claimed that he was presented with a confidentiality agreement that he denies signing and that the reasons given for his dismissal were fabricated.
Howard has since requested that the $2.5 million lawsuit be dismissed, calling it “extortion” and a “transparent sham” in court papers.
Their attorney, Ilene Farkas, said the family would not discuss the matter publicly, but noted that the Sterns have “the right to enforce confidentiality agreements signed by employees who enter their home and private life.”
The Howard Stern Show has been a fixture of American broadcasting since 1986, going on to SiriusXM in 2006, where it has remained ever since.
Given Wednesday’s comments, it looks like he’s not going anywhere anytime soon.
