Stern Signs Off

Howard Stern is shaking free of the chains of his "terrestrial" radio show, signing off WXRK (92.3) K-Rock with the help of celebrities and friends who wish him well in the brave new world of satellite.

Stern has hosted his morning radio show for twenty years, but has grown increasingly frustrated with the FCC, which has repeatedly fined him for indecency. So Stern is taking his show to a new arena - satellite radio station Sirius - which is banking on the chance Howard's switch will draw ratings.

Howard's sign-off will feature guests Chris Rock, Victoria Gotti, Jorge Posada, Denise Rich and the Gastineau girls. After the show, Stern will attend a luncheon at the Hard Rock Cafe in Times Square hosted by Martha Stewart, with a performance by Sheryl Crow.

Before inking the deal with Stern, Sirius' subscribers numbered about 600,000. By the time Stern's show begins airing January 9, they estimate that number will be up to about 3 million.