Howard Stern learned about his show’s possible end through news alerts and Jimmy Kimmel call

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: As 'The Howard Stern Show' team gathered in Manhattan on August 5 for a lively pre-season celebration ahead of its 20th season premiere on September 2, their iconic host was noticeably absent, relaxing at his $21 million estate in Southampton. 

But what started as a fun team-building event quickly turned tense when a surprise news alert claimed Stern might be leaving SiriusXM over contract disputes. The shocking update blindsided staff, and Stern himself, who reportedly learned about it through a Google alert. 

'Howard Stern Show's team blindsided by breaking news of host quitting

At the staff party, a senior producer delivered a heartfelt speech, praised the team’s hard work, and promised “bigger, better guests” and “the best radio we can do” when Howard Stern returns in September.

By 5:30 pm, the group had split up; some headed out for bar hopping in Hell’s Kitchen, while others sat down for dinner at the Japanese restaurant Benihana.

A breaking news alert claimed that Howard Stern was on the verge of quitting SiriusXM because the network had failed to meet his financial demands for a new contract.

“The mood changed quickly. No one knew this was coming... and we couldn't get any answers,” one stunned insider revealed.

Howard Stern didn’t know until he saw Google alert

Staff frantically tried calling executive producer Gary Dell’Abate, but he didn’t respond. What they didn’t realize was that Howard Stern himself had just learned the news, through a Google Alert, while finishing dinner after a beach walk.

As the rumor spread, Stern’s celebrity friends began calling him. He reportedly ignored calls from comedian Ali Wentworth and talk show host Jimmy Fallon.

But when longtime friend Jimmy Kimmel called, Stern answered. All he could say, clearly shocked, was, “First I’m hearing of it.”

Multiple sources confirmed that Howard Stern launched a surprise “emergency show” on Wednesday, August 6, to calm growing fears that he might be quitting. However, instead of addressing or denying the swirling rumors about the future of 'The Howard Stern Show', he spent most of the broadcast chatting with close friend and Metallica drummer Lars Ulrich.

At the end of the show, Stern reassured listeners that he would return on September 2. 

What did insiders say about Howard Stern's quitting rumors?

According to Daily Mail, Stern remains locked in intense negotiations with SiriusXM over the future of his $500 million contract, which is set to expire at the end of 2025. Some insiders believe he is preparing to sign a short one-to two-year extension.

Others say Stern feels frustrated by the network’s strong support for rival host Andy Cohen, and that tension may be fueling his hesitation.

What has staff even more rattled is SiriusXM’s silence. “Why hasn’t the company outright denied the reports?” one insider questioned.

Stern has broadcast mostly from home since the pandemic began. Then, his popularity has shifted dramatically, from the bold, controversial “King of All Media” to what Kanye West once described as an “irrelevant old man.”

One insider suggested, "He may do a 1-2 year contract if they can meet him where he wants financially. He doesn't want to pull the plug on his employees like this."

Another source revealed Stern is seriously considering a departure from SiriusXM. If that happens, he will likely sell his archive of past shows to continue airing on his uncensored channels, Howard 100 and Howard 101.

“This year he has been saying 'maybe I should retire,’” one insider shared, highlighting growing signs that his 40-year radio career may be winding down. One possibility being floated is that Stern could return only for occasional specials with SiriusXM.