Radio chain Clear Channel interested in signing Howard Stern as contract with Sirius expires

Clear Channel interested in signing Howard Stern

Clear Channel Communications is interested in signing radio shock jock Howard Stern.

The nation’s largest radio station owner, and the home of conservatives Rush Limbaugh and Sean Hannity, confirmed its interest in Stern to The Associated Press on Monday.

Calls and e-mails to Stern’s agent, Don Buchwald, and Stern’s current employer, Sirius XM Radio Inc., were not immediately returned.

Stern’s five-year, $500 million contract with Sirius expires at the end of the year.

John Hogan, CEO of Clear Channel’s radio division, told Bloomberg BusinessWeek earlier that the company’s interest depends on whether Stern would be willing to work within the limitations of over-the-air radio. The Federal Communications Commission restricts obscenities on over-the-air radio.