America’s most legendary radio personality, Howard Stern, may be stepping away from the mic as reports emerge that SiriusXM is bracing for his exit once his lucrative contract expires this fall.
According to insiders who spoke with The Sun, Stern is unlikely to accept a renewal offer from SiriusXM, where he has been the face of the platform since 2006. Though SiriusXM reportedly plans to extend a new deal, it’s expected to be nowhere near the value Stern commands, making his return improbable.
“Sirius and Stern are never going to meet on the money he is going to want. It’s no longer worth the investment,” one source claimed.
After nearly 20 years of dominating satellite radio, Stern’s departure would mark the end of a broadcasting era, one that revolutionized free speech in media and helped SiriusXM grow into a powerhouse.
Stern first gained national fame after syndicating his show across terrestrial radio from 1986 to 2005, becoming a household name known for his bold, uncensored style. His provocative interviews and fearless commentary earned both praise and controversy — but always attention.
In 2004, he made a massive leap, signing a historic $500 million deal with SiriusXM (then Sirius Satellite Radio), citing constant FCC crackdowns as his reason for going satellite. At the time, he was America’s most fined radio host, racking up $2.5 million in FCC penalties over content deemed “indecent” — more than any other personality in U.S. history.
Stern’s move wasn’t just career-changing — it changed the very nature of satellite broadcasting.
In recent years, Howard Stern’s increasingly political tone has sparked mixed reactions from his once-loyal fanbase. Once known for his comedic jabs and celebrity gossip, Stern turned his platform toward criticizing Donald Trump and his supporters, even declaring, “I hate Trump voters” — a statement that ignited a backlash.
Trump, never one to stay silent, fired back, claiming Stern had “gone woke” and lost his core audience as a result. This shift in tone — from controversial humorist to political commentator — has reportedly played a role in SiriusXM’s decision-making process.
“If Sirius isn’t going to give Stern a good offer, I don’t think it would have anything to do with his ratings,” said one source. “It’s more likely everything to do with the political climate.”
According to reports, SiriusXM no longer sees the financial logic in keeping Stern at his current compensation level. The streaming and podcasting boom has made traditional radio talent increasingly expensive and, in some cases, expendable.
🔥🚨BREAKING: The Howard Stern Show is getting canceled after 20 years on the radio. SiriusXM reportedly has grown tired of his his $100M a year salary. "It is no longer worth the investment." (per The Sun) pic.twitter.com/FmjcVCq9sf
— Dom Lucre | Breaker of Narratives (@dom_lucre) August 6, 2025
“After you saw what happened with Stephen Colbert, it’s like they just can’t afford to keep [Stern] going,” the insider added.
The reference to Colbert’s rumored exit from The Late Show — allegedly due to financial concerns despite strong ratings — hints at a larger industry shift away from big-budget talent.
In Stern’s case, it seems the $100 million investment is no longer seen as sustainable.
Stern’s controversial past is no secret. During his early radio days, his antics frequently drew ire from watchdog groups and the Parents Television Council, especially during his stint as a judge on America’s Got Talent (2012–2015).
The council criticized NBC’s decision, citing his “reputation for sleaze and misogyny.” Still, Stern’s time on the show proved popular, drawing a new generation of fans and further expanding his brand beyond radio.
While no official announcement has been made, the writing appears to be on the wall. Sources close to the matter suggest Stern isn’t likely to return to SiriusXM unless a dramatically restructured — and significantly smaller — deal is offered.
And even then, it seems both parties have already emotionally moved on.
Whether Stern will retire, take his show to a new platform, or reinvent himself again remains to be seen. But one thing is clear — if this is the end of The Howard Stern Show as we know it, it marks the end of one of the most iconic, polarizing, and groundbreaking careers in American media.fter the FCC issued fines totaling $2.5 million to radio licensees for airing material it considered to be indecent from his show, the highest amount of any American radio show.
During his time as a judge on the talent TV series America’s Got Talent from 2012 to 2015, his appointment was criticized by The Parents Television Council, the watchdog group that bemoans any suggestion of sex or profanity on TV, for his “reputation for sleaze and misogyny.”
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