NY Post, CNNMoney: Howard Stern is claiming he's being "jerked around" and "threatened" by his bosses says he might start on satellite radio a lot sooner than Jan. 1, 2006.

"A buddy of mine who shall remain nameless says . . . Viacom is trying to get Sirius [Satellite Radio] to pay off my contract and then I would leave early 'cause Sirius is anxious to get the show started," Stern told listeners yesterday.

Infinity and Sirius declined comment, although Sirius CEO Joe Clayton told analysts last month that a contract buyout "is indeed a possibility."

"That might end up happening," said Stern.