Does anyone miss Howard Stern on Local Radio?

[jeffryan]

My guess is that Howard will finish out this contract, Spend a couple of years at home, get bored and then return in some form to terrestrial radio. Probably from a studio built in his house similar to the setup that Rush Limbaugh and Michael Savage have.

I kind of agree. Stern has broadcasting in his blood and as much as he complains about wanting to end his career, I don't think he'll ever do it. At least not in the next 10 years or so. He feels a deep responsibility to his fans and more importantly his colleagues that have been with him for so long.

When his Sirius contract is up in a little over 2 years, I see Howard Stern being the first major radio personality to move to an internet only platform.

Think about it. It will be so easy (already is) to launch an internet station. Howard will be in complete control of his show (even moreso than he already is) and have total ownership... although because of his loyalty to Mel, I think he'll be in the mix somehow. Technology will have changed to the point where streaming internet radio will be available in cars and will be much more portable in general.

Howard doesn't need the radio business anymore (terrestrial or satellite). Radio needs HIM. But they won't be able to afford him, and Stern can make a ton more money doing everything himself.