After months of hype, Howard Stern makes his debut on NBC's America's Got Talent.
Trailers promoting the show find the popular talk-radio host scolding contestants but also praising them. If Comcast's
There's plenty of offstage drama here, and it has nothing to do with the show's occasionally eclectic performers. Stern attempted to sue Sirius XM Radio
There's nothing wrong with a little disharmony between a radio company and on-air talent. It even makes for good radio, as Stern fans know. However, it will be interesting to see how things play out if tonight's program makes the morning-show shock jock more popular with younger viewers who aren't familiar with Stern.
This isn't to suggest that Sirius XM should settle with Stern. That would be dilutive to shareholders, especially as it seems that Sirius XM is the one in the right here. However, Sirius XM can't afford the distraction at a time when Liberty Media
Sirius XM will want to make sure that Stern can use the primetime stage as an ambassador for satellite radio -- just as he has used his radio show in recent months to promote the NBC show.
Talent will be on display tonight, but for investors it's really all about the spin at this point.
Running of the bulls
I remain bullish on Sirius XM's future. It should come as no surprise that I'm promoting the CAPScall initiative for accountability by reiterating my bullish call on Sirius XM for Motley Fool CAPS.
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