Fox Wants Stern to Replace Simon on ‘American Idol’

Howard Stern confirmed on his Sirius satellite radio show that Fox is interested in hiring him to replace Simon Cowell as a judge on the American Idol reality show.

Stern said the gig “might be possible, we’ll see,” but added that he would have to be paid “a ton of dough,” because he already makes a ton of dough on satellite, The Wrap reports.

Stern said he would not do a radio show if he landed the American Idol gig.

Clear Channel Also Wants Stern

Stern’s 5-year, $500 million contract with Sirius ends at the end of the year, and the shock jock has considered returning to terrestrial radio, possibly on Clear Channel. “We clearly have both the willingness and the financial wherewithal to consider high-profile talent,” said John Hogan, head of the radio division of Clear Channel, in January. “We would be the most logical company for him to optimize his exposure and financial return.”

Whether Stern returned to terrestrial radio or landed on television as an American Idol judge, Stern would have to be willing to limit profanity and sexual content and adhere to FCC guidelines. Before leaving terrestrial radio for satellite, Clear Channel stopped carrying Stern’s show in the wake of an FCC crackdown for indecency.

Satellite Wants Stern to Stay

Mel Karmazin, CEO of Sirius XM, has said he wants to keep Stern, telling Charlie Rose in December that Stern is an “an absolutely incredible moneymaker for us as well as for himself,” and adding that he’d like to “figure out a way to keep him.” But analysts don’t expect Sirius to be able to come up with a strong offer to keep Stern, doubting that it could afford to even pay half of what his current contract stipulates.