What, no Howard Stern on iPhone app? Are they Sirius?
Filed under: Company News, Technology, Investing, Media
Howard Stern isn't available on the new Sirius XM (SIRI) software application, which is available at Apple's iTunes store today. Some customers of the satellite radio service won't need to hear anything more than that to know whether or not they will download the app onto their iPhone or iPod Touch. That said, it was the sixth most popular free app, according to Apple's iTunes website this afternoon.
"You could argue you're not getting Stern, which sucks, but it's better than what you were getting before, which was nothing," David Bank, analyst at RBC Capital Markets, said in a phone interview. "It's like a product light version."
The app, which is free to paying Sirius XM subscribers, was anticipated by fans of the satellite radio service and Stern fans. NFL and MLB games and Nascar radio also can't be listened to via the app, the radio company said today in a press release.
Oprah and Martha Stewart's channels can be heard, as well as radio jocks Opie & Anthony, who were kicked off the air in New York for a racy bit involving sex and St. Patrick's church. Sirius XM's many commercial-free music channels are available as well, featuring artists such as Elvis, Eminem an Bruce Springsteen.
The availability of Playboy radio and Opie & Anthony shoots a hole in the theory that "mature content" is why Stern's show isn't being broadcast through the iPhone app. Bloomberg News reported that a Sirius XM customer service representative said Stern's broadcasts won't be offered because of it's "mature programming."
Shares of Sirius closed lower by 15 percent today after rising 23 percent yesterday in anticipation of the app's release. Patrick Reilly, spokesman for Sirius, wouldn't comment on Stern not being offered on the app beyond what was said in the press release.
No Stern on the app, "means that it's not a direct extension of the satellite platform," said Bank, who rates Sirius' shares "sector perform" or hold. "I don't see it as a negative, but I don't see it as a game-changer either. Satellite radio embedded in the iPhone would be a game changer."
Anthony Massucci is a senior writer for DailyFinance. You may follow him on Twitter at hianthony.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 4)
6-18-2009 @ 7:26PM
DSMALLS said...
This is a bunch of Bull! I feel like canceling right now, we waited for months and now they don't put Stern on! WTF, Are they trying to put this company in the ground?
Way to go Sirius!
Reply
6-20-2009 @ 9:51AM
Angela said...
I'm with you. WTF! Months and months of waiting... no Stern... Sirius is a joke. Thanks for nothing.
6-19-2009 @ 12:18AM
Aleks said...
The reason Howard isn't on the app is because Sirius would have to pay him more money for his consent. His contract includes more than just his 500 million dollar deal.
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6-19-2009 @ 4:08PM
Tony said...
I read that there is another competing app where you can get Stern... I will have to track that down and get back to you
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6-20-2009 @ 4:43PM
chris said...
It's called Pocket Tunes. That's how I get Stern on the iphone.
6-20-2009 @ 6:10AM
Linda said...
Aww, that's too bad....now where are the strippers gonna go during the day?!? Howard Stern is stale. Yawn.
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6-20-2009 @ 6:11AM
pnut166 said...
Who cares? Stern should be cut from planet earth, not just the iphone.
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6-20-2009 @ 6:30AM
strawman said...
Why is there No IPhone App. ?,... Stern is Questioning the 9-11 event which pisses the Corporate Elite off,... Cancel Sirius
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6-20-2009 @ 6:31AM
jbjg24m said...
ACTUALLY CAN'T STAND HOWARD STERN !
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6-20-2009 @ 8:33AM
MP said...
As his accountants manage his millions, he doesn't really give a sh_t if you can't stand him. Even if Howard is on the app, you don't have to listen to him. Just another example of corporate marketing thinking they know better than we do when it comes to deciding how we entertain ourselves. Sounds like the XM geeks are taking over the Sirius programming.
6-20-2009 @ 11:09AM
Myrna Goff said...
Yes, he is a sleezbag.... I sure wouldn't want him on ANY show that I was listening to....
6-20-2009 @ 6:34AM
Zack said...
Howard isn't that greaty anyway. Opie and Anthony are far superior to Howard.
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6-20-2009 @ 7:19AM
dad3012323 said...
Howard Stern is a foul-mouthed, disgusting excuse for an entertainer.
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6-20-2009 @ 7:23AM
lucas said...
put stern on. if they won't put him on then o@a is next and thats all i listen to. but there has to be a choice.
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6-20-2009 @ 7:36AM
john said...
Its to the point that howard show isnt funny anymore. O&A is .Plus they work 5 day a week and not take a week off every 3 weeks.Howard plays the same dumb bits Richard and Sal do.over and over again. Artie just a angry fat fuck. Its just not as good as Opie & Anthony anymore. Sure he brought a lot of people when he first came to sirius. And he try hard to get them. But now you can tell he going in a 1 1/2 yr with all the money he rip off the company. 100 million a year what a joke.
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6-20-2009 @ 7:40AM
poohbear said...
i cant stand howard stern. no love lost here!
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6-20-2009 @ 7:51AM
Shawn said...
Sirius needs to tell Howard to start doing what they want or get rid of him. Everyone else is getting everything that Sirius wants shoved down their throat but not Howard. Tell Howard he is not getting anymore money since he is already being paid for working at Sirius.
Reply
6-20-2009 @ 8:30AM
Lisa said...
Thank goodness. Howard Stern is a worthless p.o.s. and I can't believe his 15 minutes has lasted as long as it has. An entire show devoted to him describing the bodies of these girls that are stupid enough to go on his show? The world would definitely not miss it.
Reply
6-20-2009 @ 9:18AM
Kim said...
Lisa,
You obviously do not listen to the show on a regular basis. What you said is true to an extent...but not as often as one might imagine. Stern and company cover a variety of current topics in the course of the day, along with compelling interviews. I am not a particular fan of the women bits...whether it be analyzing their bodies...but the rest of the content ROCKS! I have been a loyal Stern fan for about 20 years...and by the way...I am a woman.
6-20-2009 @ 9:47AM
Kevin said...
The girls that go on this show only make tens of thousands of dollars afterwards from all the exposure, your silly lisa to think that girls with hot bodies who are not ashamed to show it, will not do it to make several thousand dollars just from being naked for a few minutes!! And the man above has said just about everything else, howard has been number one over and over for several years!! And his interviews with celebrities are the best ever!! better than larry king or any other interviewers cause he doesn't hold back from ANYTHING!! You find out and hear about more from a celebrity than you would if they were on any other show or program, howard is awesome!! And like i said to one other person, it should be available, and we should be able to exercise our FREEDOM OF CHOICE!! if you don't want to listen to it lisa, then don't turn your channel to howard's show, that's your right, just as much as it is my RIGHT for it to be available so that i can turn it over to howard's channel and listen to it!! YOU PEOPLE NEED TO GROW UP!! And quit trying to be the morality police and trying to tell everyone else what's right or wrong and how to live their life and what they should or should not listen to!! You are such a bummer!