 |
| Howard Stern speaking into microphone during SiriusXM broadcast |
Howard Stern Is Not Leaving SiriusXM—After Elaborate Prank
Howard Stern has made a career out of shocking his audience, but this time the King of All Media managed to fool not only his fans but also the press. On Monday morning, Stern staged an elaborate prank suggesting he was leaving SiriusXM, only to reveal minutes later that it was all a hoax.
The stunt briefly shook up financial markets, sent media outlets scrambling, and reignited speculation about his long-term future with the satellite radio giant.
How the Prank Unfolded
At 7 a.m., SiriusXM listeners expecting Stern’s familiar voice instead heard Andy Cohen—the Bravo host and Stern’s longtime friend. Cohen announced he was taking over the channel, rebranding it as Andy 100.
Within minutes, major outlets including CNBC, Variety, and the Associated Press reported Stern’s supposed departure as fact. Social media lit up with confusion, while SiriusXM’s stock dipped nearly 2% in premarket trading.
But about 10 minutes later, Stern returned on air to reveal the truth: it was all a prank.
“What pisses me off is now I can’t leave,” Stern joked. “I’ve been thinking about retiring. Now I can’t.”
Stern Calls Out “Bad Rumors”
The prank wasn’t just for laughs—it was also Stern’s way of addressing ongoing speculation about his future.
During his summer hiatus, multiple reports suggested Stern was preparing to retire or step away from SiriusXM after his contract ends. Stern dismissed these as “bad rumors,” adding that he’s “very happy at Sirius” and that his talks with executives have been “fantastic.”
He also mocked the media for rushing to publish unverified stories. Reading headlines on air, Stern played TV clips of networks that had fallen for the gag, poking fun at their eagerness to break the story.
Clearing the Air on Alex Cooper
Stern also addressed another rumor circulating in recent weeks: a supposed feud with Alex Cooper, the star podcaster behind Call Her Daddy, who signed a $125 million deal with SiriusXM last year.
“I don’t know Alex Cooper,” Stern said bluntly. “If she is young and bubbly, then God bless her because I’m the opposite.”
It was a classic Stern moment—self-deprecating, dry, and cutting through industry chatter with his trademark bluntness.
SiriusXM’s Challenges—and Stern’s Legacy
While Stern insisted he’s content at SiriusXM, the prank highlighted real questions about the company’s future. SiriusXM has undergone multiple rounds of layoffs, trimming content and marketing budgets. The company’s stock is down nearly 60% over the past five years, reflecting broader struggles in the streaming and satellite radio space.
Stern, meanwhile, remains one of SiriusXM’s crown jewels. Since his groundbreaking move from terrestrial radio in 2006—via a $500 million deal with then-Sirius Satellite Radio—he has consistently driven subscriptions and headlines. His current five-year contract, signed in 2020, is nearing its end, leaving fans eager to know whether he’ll re-sign, retire, or surprise everyone with another bold move.
Fans Left Laughing—and Wondering
Even as some listeners groaned about being duped, many appreciated the elaborate stunt as classic Stern. The prank underscored his continued relevance in an era where viral moments drive the media cycle.
Still, the unanswered question remains: How much longer will Howard Stern stay behind the mic?
For now, at least, fans can rest easy—Stern isn’t going anywhere. Unless, of course, he decides to prank everyone again.
0 Comments