Howard Stern stirred the pot—and his fans—when his SiriusXM contract neared its end, with a prank that blurred the line between jokes and headlines.
In early September 2025, Howard Stern kicked off a surprise broadcast stunt: listeners were greeted not by Stern himself, but by Andy Cohen—announcing a new SiriusXM channel called “Andy 100.” The twist? Fifteen minutes later, Stern crashed the show live and revealed the whole thing was a prank according to AP News. Alongside longtime co-host Robin Quivers, he clarified that rumors of his exit were “completely false.”
Still, the gag exploded in the media. CNBC, the Associated Press, and others were temporarily fooled into reporting his departure as fact according to People. Stern used the stunt as a segue to address real concerns: he confirmed he’s in talks with SiriusXM about his next contract, and insisted he’s “very happy at Sirius.”
Howard Stern in the early days of his iconic radio career, setting the stage for decades of broadcasting success.
Why His Return Isn’t Guaranteed
Stern’s most recent contract—a five-year deal reportedly worth $500 million—is set to expire at the end of 2025 according to Fox Business. While Stern remains a major talent and draws loyal listeners, several industry insiders suggest SiriusXM may not be willing to match his previous compensation, citing changing media dynamics and shrinking return on investment.
Indeed, some analysts view Stern as less central to SiriusXM’s long-term strategy—especially as streaming, podcasts, and younger talent gain traction. That said, SiriusXM leadership has publicly emphasized the value of Stern’s content archive, which could factor heavily into negotiations—even if a live show contract becomes financially untenable.
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What This Means for Stern’s Legacy and SiriusXM
Howard Stern helped define SiriusXM’s early identity as a boundary-pushing talk radio platform. His leap from terrestrial radio to satellite in 2006 was transformative, bringing millions of listeners to the subscription model.
As of 2025, Stern remains one of the best-paid broadcasters ever, with his previous contract ranking among the most lucrative in media. But the media landscape has shifted dramatically: podcasting, streaming audio, and shifting listener habits mean that even “legacy stars” are under pressure to adapt.
If SiriusXM does decline to match Stern’s former deal, negotiations may pivot to licensing the back catalogue, shorter-term contracts, or alternative platforms. Stern himself hinted at such possibilities, and despite occasional talk of retirement, recent remarks suggest he may be reluctant to let his voice be silenced entirely according to Market Watch.
Howard Stern and Bruce Springsteen share a moment together, highlighting Stern’s long-standing connections in the music and entertainment world.
People Also Ask
Did Howard Stern really get fired from SiriusXM?
No confirmed firing has occurred. The confusion stemmed from a prank broadcast involving Andy Cohen playing Stern’s replacement. Stern later confirmed discussions with SiriusXM are ongoing and that rumors of his departure were false.
How big was Howard Stern’s last contract?
Stern’s current contract, signed in 2020, was a five-year deal reportedly worth around $500 million.
Why might SiriusXM not renew his contract at the same level?
Changes in the audio media ecosystem—stronger competition from streaming and podcast platforms, cost pressures, fewer younger listeners, and evolving subscription models—mean that Stern’s previous return on investment may not be replicable under current dynamics.
Could Stern move to another platform if talks fail?
Yes. Speculation includes platforms such as streaming or on-demand video/audio services. SiriusXM also retains rights to Stern’s extensive audio/video archive, which could offer new licensing or compilation opportunities—even if a live radio deal becomes unaffordable.
Howard Stern greets fans with a wave, demonstrating his enduring popularity and connection with his audience.
Final Word
Howard Stern’s contract saga is far more than tabloid fodder—it illustrates a broader shift in media economics, talent valuation, and listener power. Whether he returns to the airwaves on the same terms—or at all—remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: Stern is still savvy enough to control how the story plays out.
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