Radio analysts, however, estimated the actual size of Stern's daily satellite audience to be between 1 million and 2 million. (Sirius executives call those figures low because established rating services do not measure satellite radio use in each market.)
Stern's program today is much like it was. It has retained its ribald spirit and irreverent nature, and despite the enhanced autonomy, the language is only a bit more coarse and the sexual discussions slightly more explicit.
As before, the radio host and his carnival of misfit contributors riff for hours on the day's topics, which can vary from Stern's sexual appetites to sidekick Artie Lange's boorish and often out-of-control behavior. Stern's longtime radio companion Robin Quivers still delivers daily news reports, mostly about celebrities, while offbeat segments such as quizzing porn stars on current events or tickling strippers might also be featured.
"The show has a lot of sameness, though he definitely has a lot more freedom now," Taylor said. "There's a sense talking to the people who know him that he is aware that he's isolated. But he knew this would happen."
With a reduced audience, Stern's show is no longer a prime stop on the major film promotion circuit. And the A-list guests who used to submit to Stern's biting personal questions in order to hype their projects have become scarce.
Lately, his guests have been mostly fading stars, cable TV personalities and loyal friends. His summer guest list included Brad Garrett of the struggling Fox comedy " 'Til Death," Joan Rivers, Hulk Hogan, Piers Morgan ("America's Got Talent") and Ernest Borgnine. And only two stars of summer movies -- Seth Rogen of "Pineapple Express" and Verne Troyer of "The Love Guru" -- dropped by his New York City studios.
It's a far cry from previous years, when from the bully pulpit of his radio show, Stern anointed himself as "The King of All Media." Though the boast was vintage Stern and an obvious exaggeration, it was still something few could contradict. He made headlines, not to mention millions of dollars, off his bestselling books, "Miss America" and "Private Parts." "Private Parts" was adapted for the big screen, where it was a box office and critical success.
In leaving terrestrial radio, Stern also left behind an invaluable and reliable tool for self-promotion: the FCC. Over the years, the government agency hit Stern with millions of dollars in fines, generating loads of free publicity.
