Howard Stern isn’t going anywhere. The self-proclaimed King of All Media, 71, who grew up in Roosevelt and Rockville Centre and now lives in Southampton, announced Tuesday morning on his SiriusXM satellite radio program that he has renewed his contract for another three years.
“I’m happy to announce that I figured out a way to have it all … more free time and continuing to be on the radio,” Stern said on the air. “Yes, we are coming back for three years. I hope I don’t die during this contract because I’m at that weird age where people drop dead. Who knows?”
Before re-signing, Stern said he checked with his sidekick, Robin Quivers, to see if she was ready for more.
“If Robin wasn’t up for it, I wasn’t going to do it,” said Stern, who has been on SiriusXM’s programming since 2006. “Robin is busy trying to save her own life with a battle of cancer. It does require a tremendous amount of her time. She has to take care of herself.”
Quivers, 73, added, “Cancer is a formidable opponent. You have to be vigilant.”
No financials were revealed. But Stern hinted, “There’s more details to give. I’m going to have more flexibility. Some things are going to change.”
However, Stern said his relationship with SiriusXM is strong.
“I do love this company and I feel very loyal to this company. They did want me to come back and they said, ‘Whatever you want to do, we will do for you,’ ” Stern said. “I’m excited about it because I do still love radio.”
Stern has been playing games with his audience about renewing his contract since the summer. While on vacation, rumors began to swirl about Stern’s possible departure. Being the prankster that he is, Stern used this as an opportunity to make a comedy bit out of the situation.
First, he drummed up massive anticipation for his Sept. 2 return then delayed it for a week due to illness. On Sept. 8 as a fake-out gag, he had Bravo TV host/radio personality Andy Cohen take over his channel, calling it “Andy 100.”
Once Cohen went to a break, promos started running about Stern’s firing. Suddenly, Stern appeared, saying: “Lest you think that was real. That was masterminded by me.”
Stern was on the air throughout the fall as negotiations continued. He is set to go on a holiday break and will return Jan. 5.
David J. Criblez is a reporter for Newsday’s exploreLI, covering entertainment-related events from local music to stand-up comedy to festivals.