(In the US) Howard Stern’s SiriusXM Show Nears Cancellation After 20 Years Due to $100M Salary Dispute

 

After nearly two decades as a cornerstone of SiriusXM’s programming, The Howard Stern Show faces potential cancellation as Howard Stern’s current five-year contract, reportedly valued at $100 million per year, is set to expire this fall. Sources close to the satellite radio giant reveal that SiriusXM is unlikely to meet Stern’s financial expectations for a renewal, with one insider stating, “Sirius and Stern are never going to meet on the money he is going to want. It’s no longer worth the investment.” The company’s reluctance stems from a strategic shift toward more cost-effective content like podcasts and on-demand programming, as well as a perceived decline in the show’s audience engagement, though SiriusXM does not publicly release ratings data.

Beyond financial considerations, Stern’s outspoken political stance has reportedly strained his relationship with SiriusXM. The 71-year-old radio icon has been a vocal critic of Donald Trump, famously calling Trump voters “stupid” and embracing the “woke” label in 2023, saying, “If woke means I can’t get behind Trump, or that I support people who want to be transgender, or I’m for the vaccine—dude, call me woke as you want.” His high-profile interview with Vice President Kamala Harris before the 2024 election also drew ire from some Republican listeners, who criticized Harris for choosing Stern’s platform over mainstream media. While some sources downplay the role of politics, suggesting it’s secondary to budget concerns, others argue the current political climate has amplified scrutiny on Stern’s commentary.

Stern’s team of approximately 95 writers, producers, and staff members faces uncertainty, with reports indicating many were only recently informed of the show’s precarious future. Insiders note that Stern has been contemplating retirement, with comments this summer suggesting he might step away. However, he is also reportedly in “very serious negotiations” with SiriusXM, potentially for a shorter one- or two-year deal, though any offer is expected to fall short of his salary demands. Alternatively, discussions may focus on SiriusXM retaining rights to Stern’s extensive audio library for its uncensored Howard 100 and Howard 101 channels, rather than continuing live broadcasts.

Stern, who joined SiriusXM in 2006 after a storied career in terrestrial radio, revolutionized the platform with his provocative “shock jock” style and later evolved into a celebrated interviewer, drawing candid revelations from guests like Lady Gaga and Courteney Cox. His $500 million, five-year deal in 2004 made him one of America’s highest-paid radio hosts, but the media landscape has since shifted, with streaming and podcasts challenging traditional radio’s dominance. Fans on X are divided: some laud Stern’s legacy and evolution, while others argue his move to home broadcasting since COVID-19 and his America’s Got Talent stint from 2012 to 2015 diminished his edge. Posts on X also reflect frustration, with some users claiming Stern’s political shift alienated listeners, while others defend his right to evolve.

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