After nearly two decades as the marquee talent at SiriusXM, Howard Stern may be signing off for good. Sources told The U.S. Sun that the groundbreaking broadcaster is not expected to return when his current five-year contract expires this fall.
While SiriusXM reportedly plans to make an offer, insiders say the company has no real expectation that Stern will accept. “Sirius and Stern are never going to meet on the money he is going to want,” one source told The Sun, adding that “it’s no longer worth the investment” to keep paying the reported $100 million-a-year salary.
SiriusXM is likely to negotiate a deal to retain Stern’s extensive audio library, but the daily show appears to be winding down. “There’s no way they can keep paying his salary,” another source told the outlet.
Beyond financial considerations, The Sun reports that Stern’s outspoken political views, especially his criticism of Donald Trump and high-profile interviews with figures like Vice President Kamala Harris, may also be a factor. “If Sirius isn’t going to give Stern a good offer, I don’t think it would have anything to do with his ratings,” the insider said. “It’s more likely everything to do with the political climate.”
SiriusXM and Stern have not commented publicly on the report.
Stern, 71, has been a dominant voice in American radio since his early days at WNBC and then “K-Rock” WXRK, where “The Howard Stern Show” became a national phenomenon with widespread syndication. After moving to Sirius in 2006, he helped drive the company’s subscriber growth and established himself as a pioneer in uncensored satellite broadcasting.
Though initially branded a “shock jock,” Stern evolved into one of the most respected celebrity interviewers in media. From candid conversations with Lady Gaga and Bruce Springsteen to last-minute drop-ins by stars like Courteney Cox, Stern’s ability to elicit unguarded moments became a hallmark of his later career.
His influence also extended beyond radio. He starred in the 1997 autobiographical film “Private Parts,” authored multiple bestsellers, and served as a judge on “America’s Got Talent” from 2012 to 2015.
SiriusXM has not responded to a request to comment on the report.
