Howard Stern’s future with SiriusXM is uncertain as his five-year, $500 million contract, signed in 2020, is set to expire at the end of 2025.
The 71-year-old radio icon, who has been with SiriusXM since 2006, is reportedly in “very serious negotiations” with the company, but sources suggest a renewal is unlikely due to financial considerations and evolving company strategy.
Stern’s current deal, estimated at $100 million annually, includes production costs and staff salaries, but SiriusXM is aiming to save $200 million annually by 2025, making his high salary a potential target for cost-cutting.
Stern’s shift from his provocative “shock jock” persona to a more introspective, celebrity-interview-focused format has drawn criticism from some fans, who feel his “woke” evolution and reduced effort—such as working only three days a week remotely—have diminished the show’s appeal.
Fan discontent is evident on platforms like Reddit, where discussions highlight frustration over perceived laziness despite his high earnings.
SiriusXM is also pivoting toward younger talent and podcasts, signing big deals for shows like “SmartLess” and “Call Her Daddy” to diversify its roster and attract new subscribers.
This strategy aims to prepare for a post-Stern era, with the company emphasizing a “bench” of talent including James Corden, Andy Cohen, and Conan O’Brien.
While Stern has hinted at retirement, he’s also suggested he thrives on staying relevant, with no clear alternative platform if he leaves SiriusXM. Sources indicate he’s concerned about his staff of approximately 95 writers and producers, who were reportedly blindsided by the uncertainty.
A deal to retain Stern’s extensive audio and video library, licensed to SiriusXM through 2032, is likely, even if the daily show ends.