Howard Stern’s 20-year show not a viable ‘investment’ for SiriusXM as Trump rants doom $100M deal

Howard Stern’s 20-year show not a viable ‘investment’ for SiriusXM as Trump rants doom $100M deal
Howard Stern’s $100M run at SiriusXM is reportedly coming to a close, as sources said his contract would not be renewed (Getty Images)

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: Howard Stern’s iconic 20-year run on SiriusXM is coming to an end, according to exclusive sources who revealed that the subscription radio giant does not plan to renew his massive contract this fall.

Stern, 71, is expected to exit after his current five-year deal wraps up. Insiders say SiriusXM may try to retain rights to his vast show catalogue but has no intention of meeting his likely financial demands for a new show deal.

Radio talk show host Howard Stern debuts his show on Sirius Satellite Radio January 09, 2006 at the network's studios at Rockefeller Center in New York City. (Photo by Getty Images)
Radio talk show host Howard Stern debuts his show on Sirius Satellite Radio January 09, 2006 at the network's studios at Rockefeller Center in New York City (Getty Images)

SiriusXM not expected to renew Howard Stern’s contract

“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," a source told The US Sun. “Sirius and Stern are never going to meet on the money he is going to want. It's no longer worth the investment."

NEWARK, NJ - MARCH 02: Howard Stern arrives at the
Howard Stern arrives at the 'America's Got Talent' Season 10 Red Carpet Event at New Jersey Performing Arts Center on March 2, 2015 in Newark, New Jersey (Dave Kotinsky/Getty Images)

Though SiriusXM may pursue a licensing agreement for Stern’s archives, sources confirmed that the satellite radio provider is not expected to continue paying the host’s steep salary.

“But as far as him coming back to doing the show, there's no way they can keep paying his salary,” the insider added. 

Another source claimed that the decision has more to do with Stern’s political positioning than his ratings.

"If Sirius isn't going to give Stern a good offer, I don't think it would have anything to do with his ratings," they said. "It's more likely everything to do with the political climate."

Stern, a vocal critic of Donald Trump, also hosted Kamala Harris during her 2024 presidential campaign, a move that was widely criticized by Republicans after Harris reportedly avoided more mainstream media outlets.

Howard Stern slams Donald Trump and his voters

Multiple sources have said that Howard Stern’s outspoken political commentary, particularly his criticism of Donald Trump and the broader political atmosphere—could be a key reason SiriusXM is hesitating to renew his contract.

WASHINGTON, DC - AUGUST 05: U.S. President Donald Trump takes questions from reporters after signing an executive order in the South Court Auditorium in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building on August 5, 2025 in Washington, DC. The executive order creates a White House task force to help coordinate logistical issues related to the 2028 Summer Olympic Games in Los Angeles including security, visas for athletes and coaches and transportation. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)
President Donald Trump takes questions from reporters after signing an executive order in the South Court Auditorium in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building on August 5, 2025 in Washington, DC (Win McNamee/Getty Images)

“After you saw what happened with Stephen Colbert, it’s like they just can’t afford to keep him going,” one source said, referring to Colbert’s recent exit from the air.

Another insider added that if SiriusXM ultimately passes on bringing Stern back, it’s unlikely to be due to his performance metrics. “If Sirius isn’t going to give Stern a good offer, I don’t think it would have anything to do with his ratings,” the source claimed. “It’s more likely everything to do with the political climate.”



 

Before the 2024 election, Stern made headlines for taking a direct swipe at Trump and his supporters, saying on-air: “I don’t agree with Trump politically, I don’t think he should be anywhere near the White House. I don’t hate the guy. I hate the people who vote for him. I think they’re stupid. I do. I’ll be honest with you, I have no respect for you.”

Howard Stern’s legacy: From shock jock to interview legend

Stern’s rise to radio stardom began in the 1980s with a two-decade run at New York City's WXRK, where his show gained national syndication and peaked with 20 million listeners across 60 markets.

He joined SiriusXM in 2006 and transitioned from taboo-breaking “shock jock” to master interviewer. Over the years, he hosted intimate, revealing conversations with guests ranging from Lady Gaga to Bruce Springsteen.

Howard Stern is seen arriving at the ABC studio for GMA in New York City (Image Source: GC Images | Photo by Gilbert Carrasquillo)
Howard Stern is seen arriving at the ABC studio for GMA in New York City (Gilbert Carrasquillo / Getty Images)

Beyond radio, Stern found success with his 1997 autobiographical film 'Private Parts,' which recounted his turbulent journey through the broadcasting world. The film became a cult hit.

He also authored several books and served as a judge on 'America’s Got Talent' from 2012 to 2015.

Stern has been married to model and animal rights advocate Beth Ostrosky Stern since 2008. He shares three daughters, Emily, Debra, and Ashley, with ex-wife Alison Berns, to whom he was married from 1978 to 2001.

Share this article:  Howard Stern’s 20-year show not a viable ‘investment’ for SiriusXM as Trump rants doom $100M deal