Howard Stern Reportedly Exiting SiriusXM as Contract Negotiations Stall
Is this the end of an era for satellite radio? Reports are emerging that legendary broadcaster Howard Stern may be preparing to step away from SiriusXM, the company he’s called home for nearly two decades. According to a recent report from The Sun, Stern and SiriusXM are unlikely to agree on a new contract, with the current deal set to expire later this fall.
While no official confirmation has been made, this report suggests that one of the most iconic voices in radio could soon go silent—at least on satellite airwaves.
Stern's $100 Million a Year Legacy
Howard Stern, often dubbed the "King of All Media," signed with SiriusXM in 2006, marking one of the biggest shifts in modern radio history. At the time, Sirius was a struggling satellite company trying to differentiate itself in a crowded media space.
That all changed when Stern came aboard.
Over the years, his uncensored, boundary-pushing content became the cornerstone of SiriusXM’s brand. According to industry experts, his arrival quadrupled Sirius' subscriber base, turning the company into a dominant force in radio broadcasting.
Stern’s current five-year contract, signed in 2020, reportedly pays him $100 million per year—a staggering sum that reflects his enduring star power and influence.
But as The Sun reports, SiriusXM insiders believe the next deal may not be worth the price tag.
“Sirius and Stern are never going to meet on the money he is going to want. It’s no longer worth the investment,” a source told The Sun.
Contract Expiring in Fall 2025
With Stern’s contract set to expire later this year, the clock is ticking. Despite SiriusXM reportedly preparing to make an offer, insiders believe Stern will reject the new terms due to a significant decrease in compensation.
This potential exit would mark the end of Stern's second major radio chapter. Before SiriusXM, he spent 20 years at WXRK in New York, where his show was syndicated across more than 60 radio stations nationwide.
It’s not just about radio, either. During his tenure with SiriusXM, Stern expanded his brand to include television appearances (notably three seasons as a judge on America’s Got Talent) and several best-selling books.
He has become a cultural mainstay, maintaining a rare combination of longevity, relevance, and controversy—traits that few media figures have managed to juggle successfully for so long.
What’s Next for Howard Stern?
So, what happens if Stern actually leaves SiriusXM?
That question is sending waves through the broadcasting industry. Some speculate he could fully retire, while others believe he might explore new media opportunities, such as launching his own subscription podcast platform or partnering with streaming giants like Spotify or Amazon Music.
Given the rise of creator-first platforms, Stern wouldn’t be the first high-profile personality to make a big move. Joe Rogan, for example, signed a $200 million exclusivity deal with Spotify. Could Stern be next?
There’s also the possibility that Stern—known for surprising fans—could take an unexpected route altogether, perhaps even a limited-run digital series, documentary project, or media startup of his own.
SiriusXM Without Stern: What’s at Stake?
For SiriusXM, losing Howard Stern could be a branding and revenue blow. While the platform now boasts a diversified lineup, from music and sports to news and talk radio, Stern has remained a flagship draw.
His absence would leave a vacuum—one that isn’t easily filled.
It also raises questions about SiriusXM’s long-term strategy. Will the company lean more heavily into sports and celebrity-driven podcasts? Or will it attempt to cultivate a new shock jock or standout personality to replace Stern’s influence?
No Official Statement—Yet
As of this writing, SiriusXM has not responded to media inquiries about Stern’s potential departure. Barrett Media reports reaching out for comment but receiving no official reply.
Meanwhile, Stern has remained quiet on the matter himself. His on-air discussions have largely avoided contract talk, and no public statements have been made on his official channels.
Fans are anxiously awaiting clarification—but the silence only adds to the speculation.
A Media Giant's Final Bow?
If this truly is the final season of Howard Stern on SiriusXM, it will signal the end of a chapter that transformed the way we think about radio.
He pushed limits, broke rules, offended millions—and entertained even more.
From political interviews and celebrity feuds to deeply personal confessions and outrageous on-air antics, Stern's brand of raw, unscripted radio changed the game. His show was often imitated but never duplicated.
Should he walk away this fall, he’ll leave behind not only a void in the SiriusXM schedule but also a legacy of innovation and controversy that helped shape modern talk radio.
In Conclusion: A Deal That Might Not Happen
With The Sun’s report suggesting that Stern and SiriusXM are unlikely to meet in the middle, this might really be it.
While fans hope for a last-minute miracle or a lucrative new deal, all signs point to a bittersweet goodbye on the horizon.
Whatever Stern chooses next, whether it's retirement, reinvention, or rebellion, one thing is certain—he’ll do it his way.
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