UPDATE 9:45 AM: Howard Stern has delayed his SiriusXM return to September 8, according to a post on his official social media.
Initially set to resume Tuesday, Stern was expected to address his future with the satellite radio company, as his contract nears its end this year.
Stern, who spent the summer on vacation, faced rumors of his show’s cancellation, fueled by a U.S. Sun report claiming SiriusXM and Stern couldn’t agree on his contract demands.
Unverified claims of his listenership dropping from 20 million to 125,000, mentioned by Fox News host Greg Gutfeld, added to the speculation.
Reports also suggested Alex Cooper, host of "Call Her Daddy," was poised to replace Stern as SiriusXM’s top talent, with tensions rumored between them.
On Tuesday, fans expecting Stern’s live return heard a bumper announcing the delay, followed by commercials and reruns. A social media post later confirmed the new date, stating, “Stay Tuned…”
The Daily Mail reported Stern’s decision might stem from contract frustrations or personal matters, noting his 97-year-old mother’s health. Stern briefly returned on August 6 for an interview with Metallica’s Lars Ulrich, promoting their new SiriusXM station and an Amagansett concert.
Stern’s show is now set to resume Monday at 7 a.m.