Howard Stern considered retirement

Howard Stern almost quit radio show last year because he was convinced he was a “horrible” host. The controversial shock jock admitted when his $500 million five-year contract with Sirius XM Radio for The Howard Stern Show came up for renewal last year, he was tempted to retire but decided to sign a new five-year deal because of a “neurotic compulsion”.

“I came to a conclusion,” he said. “My contract was up a few months ago. I really thought I was going to retire. I said, ‘Why am I doing this anymore? I’ve proven everything I needed to prove. It makes me crazy.

“I hate getting up early every morning. I am driven by a neurotic compulsion to do that show. And it doesn’t seem enjoyable. I go home every night and go, ‘I did a horrible job!’

“It’s my identity. My ego. Like, this is who I am. This is what I do.”

Howard wouldn’t reveal how much his new deal with the station is worth but did admit he now gets “a little more for a little less work”.

Although 57-year-old Howard is known for his controversial on air stunts — such as having a naked woman in the studio — he doesn’t enjoy wild parties and instead prefers quite nights at home.

“I don’t like to go out,” he said. “I don’t like to leave the house. I like to stay home, but I’m fascinated by human behavior.”

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