Here's one account.
In order to hire Howard they would have to move the entire production of the show from LA to New York, and (allegedly) pay Howard $15 million.
Maybe it's true, and maybe it's not. I'm personally not buying it. Remember when Simon left "American Idol" and people starting talking about Howard being in talks to replace Simon? Know where that little tidbit came from? Howard. Turns out he wasn't in talks with them at all. He was using it as a ploy in his contract negotiations with Sirius.
Know where today's little tidbit probably comes from? Howard. It's a just a guess on my part. Pure speculation. I've been wrong before, but this really does smell like a Howard Stern publicity push to me.
