How Howard Stern Became One Of The Richest Radio Personalities In The World

Howard Stern’s transformation from a controversial shock jock to one of the wealthiest radio personalities globally is a testament to his exceptional combination of talent, determination, and business savvy. Stern’s journey to fame and fortune is a captivating tale of reinvention, innovation, and pushing the boundaries in the realm of radio entertainment with his sometimes very offensive topics.

Stern generates income from various sources that make use of his brand, media presence, and business ventures. Howard Stern, being one of the most prominent and influential radio personalities, not to mention being a family man, having been married for 15 years, has a diverse range of income sources that accurately reflect his multifaceted career and entrepreneurial spirit, earning him a net worth of $650 million.

Updated August 2024: This article has been updated to reflect the most recent information regarding Howard Stern’s net worth.

9 Howard Stern’s Early Beginnings And Controversial Rise In Radio

Income Earned: $200,000 Per Year

• Stern was only paid $12,000 per year for his first radio job

Born on January 12, 1954, in Queens, New York, Howard Stern displayed an early interest in radio and performing. His fascination with the medium led him to pursue a career in broadcasting. Stern’s career began in the mid-1970s, working for various radio stations and honing his comedic skills. However, it was his willingness to challenge societal norms and push the boundaries of decency that quickly earned him attention and a growing fan base.

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Stern’s career took a significant turn in the 1980s when he became the morning show host at WNBC in New York City. His provocative and irreverent style garnered both ardent supporters and vehement critics. Stern’s penchant for explicit content and uncensored discussions sparked controversy and, at times, led to clashes with station management and regulators. Nevertheless, his popularity continued to rise, and he soon became a household name.

8 Howard Stern’s Syndicated Success And Radio Revolution

Income Earned: $25 Million Per Year

• Stern was making $1.5 million per year until he signed a five-year contract with WXRK

Howard Stern’s most transformative move occurred in 1986 when he started The Howard Stern Show. Broadcasting from WXRK in New York City, the show quickly gained popularity and became widely known throughout the United States, establishing Stern as a national sensation. His show was a captivating blend of humor, celebrity interviews, offbeat characters, and outrageous stunts, which not only redefined radio entertainment but also kept audiences thoroughly engaged.

Stern’s impact on radio went beyond just shock value. He enhanced the intimacy of his broadcasts by sharing personal stories, vulnerabilities, and genuine emotions. The authenticity of the content connected with listeners, creating a devoted fan base that went beyond just being attracted to sensationalism. Stern’s approach to radio opened doors for other hosts to delve into unfiltered and candid discussions.

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Historically, Stern’s radio shows have been his main source of income. He became famous as the host of The Howard Stern Show, initially a radio program broadcasted on terrestrial radio and later shifted to satellite radio on SiriusXM. In 2006, Stern signed a significant contract with SiriusXM, which proved to be a groundbreaking deal in terms of the substantial amount he was paid. His show consistently draws in millions of listeners and subscribers, making a substantial contribution to his income.

7 Howard Stern’s Transition To Satellite Radio And Business Brilliance

Income Earned: $100 Million Per Year

• Stern’s deal with Sirius was valued at $500 million

In 2006, Howard Stern made a game-changing decision that would further elevate his career and wealth. He signed a groundbreaking deal with Sirius Satellite Radio, a subscription-based platform that offered him unprecedented creative freedom and an uncensored platform. The deal was valued at around $500 million, a testament to Stern’s negotiating skills and his ability to leverage his dedicated fan base.

The move to satellite radio marked a turning point in the industry, demonstrating that radio personalities could thrive in the digital age by embracing new platforms. Stern’s move to Sirius attracted millions of subscribers, boosting the company’s fortunes while ensuring his own financial security.

6 Howard Stern’s SiriusXM Deal

Income Earned: $400 Millon

• Stern signed another huge contract with Sirius when his previous one expired

Howard Stern’s move to satellite radio with SiriusXM was a game-changer. The deal reportedly included a signing bonus and ongoing annual compensation. This move allowed Stern to have creative freedom and uncensored content, and it positioned him as one of the driving forces behind the growth of satellite radio.

With his move to SiriusXM, Stern not only secured financial stability but also gained the opportunity to push boundaries and explore new horizons in his broadcasting career. The signing bonus and ongoing annual compensation provided him with the resources to create a show that was truly his own, unrestricted by the limitations imposed by traditional radio.

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This newfound creative freedom allowed Stern to push the envelope, delivering uncensored content that captivated his loyal fan base and attracted a whole new audience to satellite radio. As a result, Stern’s presence on SiriusXM became instrumental in the platform’s skyrocketing popularity, solidifying his position as one of the most influential figures in radio history.

5 Howard Stern’s Subscriber Revenue

Income Earned: $250 Million

• Stern earned bonuses when a subscriber threshold was hit

A significant portion of Howard Stern’s income comes from the subscription fees paid by SiriusXM subscribers. He has over 600,000, which is more than Joe Rogan, who is also highly popular on the streaming network. The unique and uncensored content he provides on the platform attracts subscribers who are willing to pay for exclusive access to his show and other SiriusXM programming. In addition to his subscription revenue, Stern has also been able to leverage his massive audience and popularity to secure lucrative advertising deals.

Companies recognize the power of his influence and the captive audience he commands, making him a highly sought-after advertising partner. From endorsing products and services to hosting sponsored segments, Stern has been able to monetize his platform in ways that few others in the industry can. This diversified income stream has further solidified his financial success and allowed him to continue pushing boundaries and delivering groundbreaking content to his devoted fans.

4 Howard Stern’s Diversification And Brand Expansion

Income Earned: Unknown

Beyond entertainment, Howard Stern’s business acumen was evident in ventures like his involvement with HowardTV, an on-demand cable service that provided subscribers with video content related to his radio show. He also created unique events like the “Miss Howard Stern New Year’s Eve Pageant,” capitalizing on his brand’s eccentricity.

Selective Endorsements With The Right Brands

While SiriusXM is a subscription-based service, Howard Stern’s show still incorporates advertising and sponsorships. Advertisers value the show’s large and engaged audience, and these partnerships contribute to his revenue stream. In addition to traditional commercials, Stern also utilizes branded content and endorsements, seamlessly integrating products and services into his show.

This approach not only benefits advertisers but also adds an element of authenticity to the content, as Stern only promotes products and services that he genuinely believes in. Furthermore, Stern’s ability to generate buzz and spark conversations among his dedicated fanbase has made his show a sought-after platform for advertisers looking to reach a wide and diverse audience. While he is selective about his endorsements, aligning with the right brands can be lucrative and further enhance his brand image.

2 Howard Stern’s Book Sales And Publishing

Income Earned: $1 Million

• Stern was also paid an undisclosed amount of money for his memoir being turned into a film by the same name

Howard Stern’s literary endeavors, including his best-selling memoir “Private Parts,” have generated revenue through book sales and publishing deals. His books offer insights into his life and career, appealing to both his devoted fans and a wider audience. Stern’s ability to captivate readers with his unique storytelling style has made him a prominent figure in the literary world.

His memoir, “Private Parts,” not only became a bestseller but also served as a platform for Stern to share personal anecdotes and experiences that resonated with readers from all walks of life. The success of this book opened doors for publishing deals, allowing Stern to continue to connect with his audience through additional written works. With each new release, Stern’s books have consistently garnered attention and acclaim, even after he said he didn’t want the public reading his first two books.

1 Howard Stern’s Live Events And Appearances

Income Earned: $75,000 To $150,000

• Depending on the event and whether it is for charity, the engagement fee varies

Howard Stern’s live events, including comedy tours and speaking engagements, provide additional income. He has participated in events where he interacts with fans, shares anecdotes, and offers behind-the-scenes insights. These live events not only offer fans a chance to see Stern in person but also allow him to establish a deeper connection with his audience.

Through his engaging and often humorous storytelling, Stern is able to captivate his fans and leave a lasting impression. Whether it’s a stand-up comedy show or a speaking engagement, Stern’s live appearances are always highly anticipated and well-received. Stern has also made guest appearances on various television shows and movies. His appearances, whether as himself or in character roles, contribute to his income and exposure beyond radio.

Howard Stern

Birthname

Howard Allan Stern

Birthdate

January 12, 1954

Birthplace

Jackson Heights, Queens, New York City, New York, USA

Height

6′ 5″

Twitter

@HowardStern

Instagram

@sternshow

Profession

Radio Personality

Net worth

$650,000,000

Source of Wealth

Broadcasting, endorsement deals

Nationality

American

Bio

Intro Overview

Howard Stern has, over the course of the last half-century, built a reputation as a king of radio, the original shock jock, and a warrior for free speech and against censorship. From sexuality to politics, he’s been perpetually the center of controversy, testing the limits of the FCC and daring anyone to stop him. Along the way, he’s also written three books, taken a turn as a judge on America’s got Talent, and had a run for Governor of New York.

Early Life and Education

Stern was born on January 12, 1954, to Ray (née Schiffman) and Ben Stern, in Queens. His mother had been an office clerk, and would later take a job as an inhalation therapist. His father was in the army, then took work as a radio operator before becoming part owner of a recording studio in Manhattan, Aura Recording Inc.
Stern had one sibling, an older sister, Ellen, who he described as quiet, his “opposite.”
Their father was known to quiz the kids on current events, and to record them, and his dad remembers Howard giving sarcastic or flippant answers when he didn’t know the correct ones, which seems to have set his direction.
Stern also says he wanted to work in radio from the time he was five years old. He was an entertainer from the beginning, using the elaborate puppet stage in his basement to put on what he called “The Perverted Marionette Show” for his friends.
He attended a school where, as a white kid, he was the minority, and describes this as cementing his ‘outsider’ status. He also describes his best Black friend being beaten up for hanging out with him.
From high school, he enrolled at Boston University, where he’d get his first real chance at the Shock Jock life, joining the college radio staff in his second year. It was short-lived, with his show canceled after the first racially-charged skit, titled “Godzilla Goes To Harlem.”
Before graduating with a 3.8 GPA and a bachelors degree in communications, Stern cast fellow student Allison Berns in a student film about transcendental meditation. She would later become his first wife.

Career

1970s

After graduating in 1976, Stern was offered an evening job at a progressive rock station, WRNW in New York. He also tried a job at an advertising agency, where he first worked in the marketing department, then “quit without notice” to take a more appropriate position in the creative department, which he says lasted about three hours, because the personnel department realized he was the same employee who had just quit.
He moved on to selling radio advertising, which didn’t work out too well, and decided it was time to accept a position at WRNW. He started covering shifts around the Christmas holidays, before being hired full-time – four hours a day, six days a week, $96 per week pay. Before long, he was upgraded to production director, then program director, at $250 a week. He was renting a room in a monastery to stay within his means and save money.
In 1979, an advertisement that was right up his alley – a “wild, fun morning guy” at WCCC Connecticut. Here he was able to experiment a little more and net some press attention, as well as meeting Fred Norris, who would be a long-term team member. One of his early stunts was leading a two-day boycott of Shell Oil Company, which was a real attention-grabber.

1980s

Stern moved on from WCCC after being denied a $25 per week raise (their loss), and took a job for WWWW in Detroit, where he says he first encountered disc jockeys partaking in illicit drugs on the clock. He describes the practice of airing “Free Bird” followed by “stairway to Heaven” as a trick DJs used to find enough time to have a sexual encounter and “coke up” before getting back on the air.
Less than a year later he moved on to WWDS in D.C., then to afternoons on WNBC in New York City, where he feuded with other broadcasters, and was briefly suspended for a sketch about God playing a video game called “Virgin Mary Kong.” He was fired in 1985, possibly because a chairman of the board heard his doing a sketch about a bestiality dating show.
From there, it was K-Rock, where his ratings brought the failing station new life, soaring to three quarters of a million regular listeners by 1989.

1990s

In 1990, Stern started a run of what would be 69 episodes of a Saturday night television variety show, titled, aptly, The Howard Stern Show, on WWOR-TV, which would syndicate to 65 marketst the next year and come to an end in 1992.
Later the same year, he returned to TV with a show called The Howard Stern Interview. He also presented an award as fictional character Fartman at the MTV Music Awards that year.
1993 was Stern’s deal with Simon & Schuster for his first book, Private Parts, at around a million dollars – the first printing sold out within hours.
In 1994, he announced a run for Governor of New York, earning the nomination for the Libertatrian Party – and withdrawing when he found he’d be obligated to share his home address and financial details.
In 1995, he founded Howard Stern Production Company to create original content, and signed a contract with Reagan Books for his second book, Miss America, which would help Barnes & Noble set a one-day sales record.
1996 marked the beginning of the film adaptation of Private Parts, which would premiere early the next year.
1998 was his return to TV with The Howard Stern show, which began to be cut from stations after the second episode over risque content, from 79 initial affiliates down to 30 when the final episode aired in 2001.
This would continue to be a problem for him for the rest of his time in traditional radio.

2000s

In 2005, Stern moved his show to Sirius XM, finally exempt from FCC broadcast regulations.Far from his early $96 per week, his first Sirus XM contract was for $5 million, and in the immortal words of Baby Bear, he’s still there.
2010s

In 2011, Stern took over for Piers Morgan as an America’s Got Talent judge, alongside Sharon Osbourne and Howie Mandel. He would continue on the show until 2015, when Simon Cowell took his place.
In 2019, he published his third book, Howard Stern Comes Again.
He continues his show on Sirus XM to date.

Business Ventures
Aside from his radio shows and three books, Stern has been involved in independent projects, including releasing several home-cut videos.
These include the following:

1988: Howard Stern’s Negligeé and Underpants Party1989: Howard Stern’s U.S. Open Sores1992: Butt Bongo Fiesta1994: Howard Stern’s New Year’s Rotten Eve 1994

He’s also released three albums:

1982: 50 Ways to Rank Your Mother (Wren Records)1991: Crucified By the FCC (Infinity Broadcasting)1997: Private Parts: The Album (Warner Bros)

Personal Life
– RelationshipsStern has been married twice, first to Alison Burns on June 4, 1978, with whom he divorced amicably in 2001, and then to Beth Ostrosky on October 3, 2008.
His first marriage produced three daughters: Emily Beth in 1983, Debra Jennifer in 1986 and Ashley Jade in 1993.

– Religion

Stern came from a Jewish family and attended Hebrew school, where he was given the name Tzvi. He told the New York Times in 2019 that he would not have raised his daughters with religion, but that it was important to his ex-wife, and that they have thrived in it, and that while he “never was super religious” he appreciated being Jewish.

Health

Stern has shared a few pieces of information about his health: a struggle with OCD; and a cancer scare in 2017 that turned out to be a benign cyst.

Net Worth

Stern’s net worth is estimated to be around $650 million. He continues to earn around $90 million per year and still does a regular radio show on Sirus XM.

Activism

Stern has been a significant activist for free speech, and against censorship, particularly media censorship. He’s been fined by the FCC numerous times for his fight.

Controversies

Stern is a walking controversy who lost his first position in radio, in college, over a ‘racially-charged’ sketch, and has lost other radio jobs due to scenes deemed obscene or blasphemous.

Sources:Rolling Stone https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/culture-news/who-is-howard-stern-rolling-stones-1990-feature-83306/New York Timeshttps://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2019/05/09/magazine/howard-stern-change.htmlBiographyhttps://www.biography.com/celebrities/howard-stern

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