After two decades on satellite radio, The Howard Stern Show is reportedly getting canceled. According to The U.S. Sun, SiriusXM is preparing to part ways with the 71-year-old radio legend when his current contract expires this fall.
Stern, long considered one of the most influential broadcasters in American radio history, may be preparing to exit the airwaves for good.
Stern has been under a high-value contract with SiriusXM since 2006, when he left traditional terrestrial radio to join the then-fledgling satellite service. Since then, he has signed a series of lucrative deals, with estimates placing his annual earnings between $80 million and $100 million.
However, insiders claim SiriusXM is no longer willing to continue paying those steep sums.
“Stern’s contract is up in the fall, and while Sirius is planning to make him an offer, they don’t intend for him to take it,” said a source. “Sirius and Stern are never going to meet on the money he is going to want. It’s no longer worth the investment.”
There is speculation that SiriusXM may attempt to retain the rights to Stern’s massive back catalog of interviews and content, but the live show is expected to come to an end. “They just can’t afford to keep him going,” the insider added.
The political landscape may also be playing a role in the decision. Stern has been an increasingly vocal critic of President Donald Trump in recent years, a shift that has reportedly alienated part of his original fanbase. A second source claimed the issue isn’t Stern’s ratings, but rather his political leanings: “It’s more likely everything to do with the political climate.”
Stern’s interview with Vice President Kamala Harris ahead of the 2024 election drew criticism from Republicans who accused Harris of dodging mainstream media in favor of friendly venues. Some industry observers believe Stern’s perceived partisanship is making his show a riskier investment.
Despite the behind-the-scenes drama, Stern’s impact on media is undeniable. He rose to fame in the 1980s with New York City’s WXRK, where The Howard Stern Show was syndicated to over 60 markets at its peak, reaching 20 million listeners. He moved to SiriusXM in 2006, where he helped revolutionize satellite radio and expand its subscriber base.
Stern has also built a media empire outside radio. He starred in the 1997 autobiographical film Private Parts, which chronicled his rise in the industry. He has authored several books and served as a judge on America’s Got Talent from 2012 to 2015.
In recent years, Stern became known for his candid and emotionally raw celebrity interviews, moving away from the shock-jock persona that made him famous. Notable guests have included Bruce Springsteen, Lady Gaga, and Carrie Underwood.
Howard Stern has been married to actress and animal rights advocate Beth Ostrosky Stern since 2008. He was previously married to Alison Berns, with whom he shares three daughters.
As of now, neither SiriusXM nor Stern has issued a formal comment. But if reports are accurate, this fall may mark the end of an era for one of radio’s most iconic voices.