Radio rebel Howard Stern’s exit looms as end of an era nears

For most Pakistan’s audiences, Howard Stern may be one of the hosts at America’s Got Talent. For more ardent followers, however, Stern is one of the most recognisable voices of radio – and now that voice may be preparing to sign off for good.

Stern’s reign at SiriusXM radio is nearing final chapter as his contract maybe winding down. Sources say Howard Stern’s long-standing partnership with SiriusXM is on the verge of collapse, as the shock jock is expected to walk away from a renewal offer this fall.

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According to The Sun, Stern’s $100 million contract is expiring soon and he isn’t likely to return. More so, SiriusXM is not expecting him to return either.

The famed broadcaster, who became a household name during his national syndication run from 1986 to 2005, made headlines after jumping to satellite radio in 2004 with a five-year, $500 million deal. That historic move, made amid clashes with federal regulators over indecency fines, launched a new era of uncensored programming.

But two decades later, times have changed.

“There’s no way they can keep paying that salary,” a source close to the deal told The Sun. “Sirius and Stern are never going to meet on the money he is going to want. It’s no longer worth the investment.”

While SiriusXM is reportedly preparing a new offer, it’s described more as a courtesy than a serious attempt to retain him.

“After what happened with Stephen Colbert, it’s just not sustainable,” the source added, referencing CBS’s recent decision to scrap The Late Show, which some believe was prompted by finances – though others point to the show’s frequent political satire.

Stern, now 71, hasn’t shied away from politics. In recent years, he has sharply criticized President Trump and his supporters, comments that drew backlash and claims from Trump himself that Stern had “gone woke” and lost fans as a result.

Trump said on Fox News’s Gutfeld!, “I was on Howard Stern’s show as much as anybody. “He was great at that time. And then he went woke… And since he’s gone woke, his ratings have gone down the tubes. And he sort of went anti-Trump…”

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Another insider claimed that Stern’s political commentary may be playing a role behind the scenes. “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 famously left terrestrial radio after years of battling FCC censorship, racking up $2.5 million in fines against his show – a record at the time. His leap to satellite allowed him to operate beyond the reach of regulators, attracting A-list guests, viral interviews, and millions of listeners along the way.

During his run as a judge on America’s Got Talent from 2012 to 2015, Stern’s presence drew criticism from advocacy groups, but also helped rebrand his public image beyond radio.

As the fall approaches, the future of The Howard Stern Show hangs in the balance. Whether Stern signs off quietly or with a bang remains to be seen – but insiders suggest the final act may already be written.

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