Dateline: June 20, 1996 - 5PM -
What's This Could Mean For Howard!...
When this news first broke, the newsletter hot-line was ringing off
the hook with anxious fans and friends of the show, who were concerned
about how this would affect Howard now that he's going to be working for
Westinghouse.
Here's What I Can Tell You So Far...
During a press conference on Thursday (6/20), it was announced that
Howard's big boss, Mel (Mr. Radio) Karmazin, will be running all Westinghouse
radio properties, which should put Stern fans at ease. The reason being
is that Karmazin is a firm believer that Howard's show is profitable and
broadcast-able and is a big part of Infinity's success, therefore it will
be a part of Westinghouse's further success. He will vehemently oppose
any tinkering with Howard's show since he's been able to manage the show's
content and will continue to do so with Westinghouse.
As to what Westinghouse chairman and chief executive, Michael H. Jordan,
thinks about Howard, he said during the June press conference, "As long as Howard's been following the rules, that's
fine."
If Howard becomes too hot for Westinghouse to handle, and they wanted
to unload him, it could cost up to ten million dollars to buy out his newly
signed five year contract. Could Westinghouse afford it? Yes, they could.
Would they? They might. Would that be a good thing or bad? Both.
(GOOD FOR HOWARD) If they paid off Howard,
he would then be free to take his morning show and fledgling Howard
Stern Radio Network to another radio group, who would then syndicate
them both. Even better yet, he could eliminate the middleman and have the
show sold to stations direct via the HSRN.
(BAD FOR THEM) If that happens, Westinghouse
will be faced with having to compete with Howard's show, where in the larger
markets, that could be worth millions of dollars in lost advertising revenue.
©1996 The K.O.A.M. Newsletter. All Rights Reserved.
