Howard Stern’s legendary run on satellite radio could be coming to a dramatic end.
After more than two decades of broadcasting with SiriusXM, reports now claim that The Howard Stern Show is on the verge of being axed. His $100 million contract is nearing expiration this fall, and insiders say SiriusXM has no plans to renew it, at least not at Stern’s asking price. The shock jock’s reign on satellite radio helped define the platform, but it seems the cost of keeping him around may no longer be worth it for the company.
Stern, who joined Sirius in 2004 after a landmark $500 million deal, revolutionized talk radio with his raw, unfiltered approach and a no-holds-barred attitude. That move came after years of battling FCC fines on terrestrial radio, where he was the most fined host in America, racking up $2.5 million in penalties between 1990 and 2004. When Stern jumped ship to SiriusXM, he cited censorship and increasing federal pressure as the last straw. Since then, he’s interviewed top-tier celebrities and controversial political figures, including Kamala Harris just before the 2024 election.
But recent tensions, especially over his polarizing political takes, may be costing him. His open disdain for Trump and his supporters didn’t go unnoticed. Trump himself blasted Stern, accusing him of “going woke” and losing his audience. Still, sources close to the situation insist the likely cancellation has little to do with ratings, and everything to do with the cash. “Sirius and Stern are never going to meet on the money he is going to want,” a source told The Sun. “It’s no longer worth the investment.” Another insider claimed Sirius simply can’t keep matching the astronomical salaries these days, especially in a market where media giants are tightening their belts.
It’s a familiar theme, Stephen Colbert’s Late Show was also scrapped recently, with CBS citing financial reasons, though many suspected his frequent digs at Trump played a part. Stern’s political commentary, brash style, and history of controversy have long been part of his brand. As a judge on America’s Got Talent from 2012 to 2015, his presence alone sparked backlash from the Parents Television Council, who slammed his “reputation for sleaze and misogyny.”
Now 70, Stern has expressed mixed feelings about retirement in the past, but he’s also hinted at wanting more creative freedom and less grind. SiriusXM, meanwhile, is planning to make an offer, but they reportedly expect Stern to walk away. If he does, it could mark the end of an era, not just for The Howard Stern Show, but for a format of radio that revolved around one man’s voice, vision, and volume.
Jamie Wells has a knack for getting the inside scoop on Hollywood’s biggest stars and up-and-coming talent. With a sharp eye for industry trends and an ear for viral moments, Jamie covers everything from red-carpet events to behind-the-scenes drama in movies, TV, and celebrity culture.
