After nearly two decades of dominating satellite radio, it looks like Howard Stern’s legendary run at SiriusXM is coming to a close—but not in the way you might think. The 71-year-old “King of All Media”, known for pushing the boundaries of radio, conducting raw celebrity interviews, and redefining shock jock culture, is not exactly being fired—but the end is near, and it’s significant.
Let’s dive into what’s happening, what it means for Stern’s fans, and what the future might look like for this polarising media icon.
The end of a 20-year reign
Stern’s current contract with SiriusXM, reportedly worth between $80 and $100 million annually, is set to expire this fall. Sources close to the situation revealed to The U.S. Sun that SiriusXM is not planning to renew its deal, despite potentially offering Stern a reduced contract. The issue? The cost is the deciding factor.
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One insider said plainly:
“Sirius and Stern will never agree on the amount of money he desires. It’s no longer worth the investment.”
In other words, SiriusXM doesn’t believe Stern’s current salary aligns with their future business strategy—especially as traditional radio and satellite platforms face increasing pressure from streaming services and podcasts.
Will he be Fired? Not exactly
Let’s be clear: Stern is not being fired in the dramatic, scandalous sense. Instead, this is more of a strategic uncoupling—a quiet phasing out of one of radio’s biggest names. SiriusXM may still want to retain the rights to Stern’s extensive archive of interviews and shows, but they are unlikely to pursue new live programming. That’s unlikely.
Another source added:
“SiriusXM can no longer afford to keep paying Howard Stern’s salary after nearly two decades of him doing the show.”
That makes this less a firing and more a mutually inconvenient ending. The value he once brought SiriusXM in the early 2000s—when he helped skyrocket subscriptions—is no longer the powerful bargaining chip it used to be.
Politics and public perception
While ratings and financials are key factors, Stern’s political stance may also be playing a quiet role in SiriusXM’s reluctance to continue the partnership.
Stern has been an outspoken critic of Donald Trump, once a frequent guest on his show. And in 2024, he interviewed Vice President Kamala Harris during her campaign, a move that angered many conservatives and drew sharp criticism from right-leaning media figures.
One insider suggested that the “political climate” could be influencing SiriusXM’s decision, stating:
“If Sirius isn’t going to give Stern a good offer, I don’t think it would have anything to do with his ratings… It is more likely that the decision is influenced by the political climate.
For a subscription-based service with A diverse user base, political controversy can be a costly risk.
Stern’s radio legacy
Howard Stern didn’t just “have a good run”—he reshaped radio as we know it. From his early days at WNBC in the 1980s to his iconic tenure at WXRK (K-Rock), Stern built a brand on rebellion, sex talk, raw humor, and vulnerability. At his peak, he had 20 million listeners across 60 U.S. markets.
His 2006 move to SiriusXM was groundbreaking. He ushered in an era where uncensored talk radio could thrive without the constraints of the FCC. His presence brought legitimacy—and a boatload of subscribers—to the then-new satellite radio service.
But Stern evolved. The once-outrageous shock jock became more introspective and interview-focused. Recent years have seen him sit down with names like Bruce Springsteen, Lady Gaga, and Carrie Underwood, pulling emotional stories from celebrities who rarely open up.
Beyond the radio booth
Stern’s talents reach far beyond the microphone. He’s authored bestselling books, starred in the semi-autobiographical film Private Parts, and served as a judge on America’s Got Talent from 2012 to 2015.
He’s also become a surprisingly private public figure. Off the air, he enjoys a quiet life with Beth Ostrosky Stern. Stern has been married since 2008 to a woman who is a model, actress, and animal rights activist. Together, they’re known for their work in animal rescue and advocacy.
Stern also has three daughters—Emily, Debra, and Ashley—from his first marriage to Alison Berns.
What’s next for Howard Stern?
So, what happens when Stern signs off for the last time on SiriusXM?
Here are a few possibilities:
- Stern signs with another platform (Spotify, YouTube, or a podcast network) to continue creating content under a new model.
- He retires completely, choosing to preserve his legacy and enjoy a well-earned rest.
- A streaming giant licenses or purchases its vast catalogue, which includes thousands of interviews and hours of content.
What’s almost certain, according to insiders, is that SiriusXM will strike a deal to retain the library of past shows. That content is still extremely valuable and could continue to attract subscribers for years.
A bittersweet farewell
For fans who’ve tuned in to Howard Stern for years—through marriages, breakups, political rants, heartfelt celebrity moments, and his unapologetic honesty—this ending feels emotional. Not scandalous. Not shocking. Just… bittersweet.
Stern redefined what it means to be a radio host. He broke rules, got fined, got fired, came back, and then broke more rules. But he also grew. He transformed. He matured. And he showed millions of listeners a more thoughtful side of the man behind the mic.
Not fired, but finished (for now)
So to answer your question directly: No, Howard Stern is not getting fired. But yes, he’s likely done at SiriusXM. His show, at least in its current form, is about to come to an end. Whether that’s due to money, politics, or shifting business priorities—it doesn’t matter as much as the impact he’s already made.
Howard Stern helped define an era. And as that era closes, all we can do is appreciate the ride—and keep an eye out for whatever he might do next.
