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Howard Stern has finally addressed swirling rumors about his future with Sirius XM. The radio personality returned to the airwaves Monday following reports that the satellite radio giant wouldn’t be extending his contract when it expires this fall.
Last month, The US Sun published a report claiming Sirius XM had no intention of re-signing Stern due to backlash from his anti-Trump political commentary.
“Stern’s contract is up in the fall and while Sirius is planning to make him an offer, they don’t intend for him to take it,” an insider told the publication about the shock jock’s current five-year deal. “Sirius and Stern are never going to meet on the money he’s going to want. It’s no longer worth the investment.”
The source added: “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’s more likely everything to do with the political climate.”
Stern decided to have some fun with the speculation.
When his show returned Monday, listeners were initially greeted by Andy Cohen, who made a fake announcement that Stern had parted ways with Sirius XM – a prank that briefly sent fans into a frenzy.
Here's what it sounded like this morning as Andy Cohen made the — fake — announcement that Howard Stern was leaving SiriusXM. pic.twitter.com/51I1mnbg8R
— Garrett Searight (@GarrettSearight) September 8, 2025
Setting the Record Straight
When Stern eventually took over the mic, he wasted no time addressing the rumors head-on.
“Everything you’ve been reading in the paper about me or about Robin is completely false,” he told listeners. “What pisses me off is now I can’t leave. I’ve been thinking about retiring. Now I can’t because then they’ll say I got pushed out so I’ll be back.”
The radio host confirmed that contract discussions are indeed underway with Sirius XM.
“Here’s the truth…” – Howard Stern addresses recent @SIRIUSXM contract rumors. pic.twitter.com/XR9HorkzOc
— Stern Show (@sternshow) September 8, 2025
Interestingly, Stern revealed that the publicity surrounding his potential departure has created new opportunities.
“But one of the positive things about all this fake news is that I heard from a lot of companies who want to show like well if you’re not at Sirius anymore do you wanna come with us and I thought well that’s really nice,” he said.
Stern’s current contract – reportedly worth around $120 million per year – expires later this fall. The 71-year-old broadcaster has been with Sirius XM since 2006, following his departure from terrestrial radio.
