$400 Million-plus Lawsuit: Howard Stern and Sirius Sued by CBS

CBS Corporation's radio division sued Howard Stern yesterday, February 28, claiming its former star shock jock breached his contract with them when he moved to Sirius Satellite Radio Incorporated.

The lawsuit claims Stern improperly used CBS radio's air time to promote his new show with Sirius, which began last month. CBS also claims Stern discussed his plans with Sirius without disclosing them to CBS as required under his contract.

Yesterday, before the lawsuit was filed in New York State Supreme Court, Stern tried to upstage the action with a hastily arranged news conference in Manhattan to strike first at his former employer.

Stern said that the lawsuit had no reason to take place and that CBS was trying to "bully" him. He called the lawsuit a "personal vendetta" against him by CBS Chief Executive Officer Leslie Moonves. The radio star also stated that CBS officials knew of his plans to leave for Sirius and also condoned his references to satellite radio on the air and did nothing to stop him when he spoke about it on his show.

Sirius spokesman Patrick Reilly said the company didn't have a comment yet because its lawyers had not reviewed the lawsuit papers.