Contrary to rampant speculation, Howard Stern has not been fired from SiriusXM. The iconic talk show host is currently engaged in negotiations for a new contract with the satellite radio giant. Recently, Stern addressed the swirling rumors about his potential retirement and the status of his contract during a broadcast on Monday, reassuring fans that he and his team are actively discussing the future of his show at SiriusXM.
"SiriusXM and my team have been talking about how we go forward in the future," Stern stated. "They’ve approached me, they’ve sat down with me like they normally do, and they’re fantastic." This statement aims to quell concerns about his departure as he emphasizes ongoing discussions regarding a new agreement.
In light of these rumors, Stern revealed that he has drawn interest from several other suitors for his show. However, he reassured fans of his loyalty, saying, "I am very happy at Sirius." He also addressed specific rumors linking his potential departure to animosity over the hiring of popular podcaster Alex Cooper, clarifying that he supports her joining SiriusXM. "I don’t know Alex Cooper," Stern remarked. "And if she is young and bubbly, God bless her because I’m the opposite." This comment reflects his commitment to the company's overall growth, especially since he owns stock in SiriusXM.
With rumors suggesting he had been terminated due to being "too woke," Stern firmly stated that there was "zero truth" to such claims. He also dismissed speculation about jealousy towards fellow SiriusXM host Andy Cohen, stating, "None of this is going on. None of it is true. Zero truth." Stern expressed his frustration, saying, "What pisses me off is now I can’t leave. I’ve been thinking about retiring; now I can’t."
At 71 years old, Stern’s future in radio has been a topic of speculation, particularly as his current five-year contract is set to expire at the end of 2025, with an estimated value of $100 million per year. Additionally, SiriusXM retains rights to Stern’s extensive back catalog through 2027. Historically, each contract renewal has sparked rumors as Stern often teases about negotiations and his potential exit.
During his recent show, Stern played a prank involving Andy Cohen, who jokingly implied that Stern had been fired and that he was taking over the airwaves. "This is, I know, not the voice that you expected to hear," Cohen announced, humorously introducing "Andy 100." This prank led to an influx of listener reactions, with some even expressing their distress over the situation. One caller, visibly emotional, shared that they canceled their subscription following the prank but later reinstated it, demonstrating the deep connection fans have with Stern’s show.
Since his arrival at SiriusXM in 2006, Howard Stern’s show has become a cornerstone of the network's programming, often viewed as a key factor in attracting and retaining subscribers. In 2020, estimates suggested that a departure could lead to a loss of approximately 2.7 million subscribers. As the negotiations continue, both Stern and his fans remain hopeful for a positive resolution that will keep him on the air for years to come.
