Howard Stern (born January 12, 1954) is a prominent American broadcaster known for The Howard Stern Show, which gained national popularity from 1986 to 2005 before moving to Sirius XM in 2006. Stern developed his on-air persona through various radio jobs before achieving widespread fame in the late 1980s.
He has won numerous awards, including eight consecutive Billboard accolades. Beyond radio, he is also an accomplished author with two bestsellers, and his biographical film Private Parts topped the box office in 1997, grossing $41.2 million.
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Table of Contents
Howard Stern Net Worth
Howard Stern has a net worth of $650 million. In 1993, he signed a $1 million deal with Simon & Schuster to write his memoir, “Private Parts,” released in October 1993.
The book became an instant hit, selling out its first print run of 225,000 copies within hours and debuting at #1 on the “New York Times” Best-Seller list, where it remained for 20 weeks. The film adaptation, featuring Stern and his radio show staff, was released on March 7, 1997, grossing $41.2 million domestically.
Early life
Howard Stern was born in Queens, New York, to Jewish parents of Polish and Austrian descent. His mother, Ray, worked as an office clerk and inhalation therapist, while his father, Ben, was a radio engineer and co-owner of a recording studio.
The family moved to Roosevelt, New York, where Stern attended school and developed an interest in radio at a young age. After high school, he pursued a communications degree at Boston University, graduating magna cum laude in 1976 with a focus on broadcasting and film.
Career
From 1976 to 1982, Howard Stern worked morning shows at WRNW in Briarcliff Manor, WCCC in Hartford, WWWW in Detroit, and WWDC in Washington, D.C., where he developed his on-air personality. He then moved to WNBC in New York City, working afternoons from 1982 until 1985.
In 1985, Stern began a 20-year tenure at WXRK in New York City, and by 1986, his morning show was syndicated in 60 markets, reaching 20 million listeners. He made history as the first to hold the number one show in both New York City and Los Angeles simultaneously.
Personal life
Howard Stern met his first wife, Alison Berns, while at Boston University. They married on June 4, 1978, at Temple Ohabei Shalom in Brookline, Massachusetts, and had three daughters: Emily Beth (b. 1983), Debra Jennifer (b. 1986), and Ashley Jade (b. 1993).
The couple separated in October 1999 due to Stern’s work-centric lifestyle and divorced amicably in 2001. After some time as a single man, he began dating model Beth Ostrosky in 2000, announcing their engagement on his radio show in February 2007. They married on October 3, 2008.
Who has worked for Howard Stern the longest?
Fred Norris, born Fred Leo Nukis on July 9, 1955, is an American radio personality, comedy writer, musician, and impressionist. He is the longest-tenured staff member on The Howard Stern Show, aside from Howard Stern himself.
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Conclusion
Howard Stern’s journey from a college radio DJ to a multimillionaire media juggernaut reflects his unyielding commitment to his craft and his ability to adapt and thrive amidst the ever-changing media landscape. His story is not just about accumulating wealth; it’s about the relentless pursuit of passion, breaking boundaries, and redefining entertainment.
FAQs about Howard Stern’s Net Worth
- How did Howard Stern build his fortune?
- Stern amassed his fortune through his groundbreaking radio career, lucrative contracts with SiriusXM, earnings from TV appearances, and sales of best-selling books.
- Is Howard Stern the highest-paid radio personality?
- Yes, with his annual salary and contract values, Howard Stern is considered the highest-paid radio personality in the world.
- How has Howard Stern’s move to SiriusXM impacted his career?
- Moving to SiriusXM allowed Stern greater creative freedom and a significantly higher salary, while also marking a significant shift in his audience and style.
- What are some of Howard Stern’s most controversial moments?
- Stern’s career is dotted with controversies, including fines by the FCC for indecent content and his sometimes divisive remarks and parodies.
- What charitable causes does Howard Stern support?
- Stern, known for his philanthropic efforts, supports various charities, particularly those focusing on animal welfare, often championed by his wife, Beth.
