After two decades of dominating satellite radio, The Howard Stern Show could be nearing its final broadcast on SiriusXM, according to exclusive sources who spoke with The U.S. Sun.
Rumors are swirling that Stern’s long-running tenure with the platform may soon come to an end—despite the shock jock’s status as one of the most iconic and high-paid personalities in radio history.
Stern, now 71, is nearing the end of his current five-year contract, which is set to expire this fall. While SiriusXM is expected to extend an offer, insiders suggest it’s unlikely to meet Stern’s expectations.
“Sirius is planning to make him an offer, but they don’t intend for him to take it,” one insider claimed. “Sirius and Stern are never going to meet on the money he is going to want. It’s no longer worth the investment.”
The legendary host has had a lucrative run, earning hundreds of millions over the years since making the move to satellite radio in 2006. But sources say SiriusXM may now be looking to shift focus—and funds—elsewhere.
“There’s no way they can keep paying his salary,” the insider added. “After you saw what happened with Stephen Colbert, it’s like they just can’t afford to keep him going.”
Still, all is not lost for loyal Stern fans. Insiders believe the platform may still work out a deal to retain his vast back catalog of interviews and episodes.
“Fans can probably expect Sirius to strike a deal for his library,” one source said, suggesting his decades of content could live on for subscribers even if the live show ends.
Another factor potentially influencing SiriusXM’s decision? Politics.
While Stern has long pushed boundaries with his signature brash style, he’s also become more vocal in recent years about his political views—particularly his criticisms of former President Donald Trump. Stern even interviewed Vice President Kamala Harris during the lead-up to the 2024 election, a move that drew backlash from Republicans.
“If Sirius isn’t going to give Stern a good offer, I don’t think it would have anything to do with his ratings,” another insider noted. “It’s more likely everything to do with the political climate.”
Neither SiriusXM nor Stern’s camp has commented publicly on the reports, and it remains unclear what the future holds for one of radio’s most influential voices.
What is certain, however, is that The Howard Stern Show has left a massive mark on the media landscape—one that may be difficult to replicate, even in the streaming era.
Whether Stern chooses to walk away, renegotiate, or take his talents to a new platform, the end of his SiriusXM era would mark a seismic shift for longtime fans and the satellite radio giant alike.
