After nearly two decades of dominating satellite radio, The Howard Stern Show may soon come to an end.

Multiple sources report that SiriusXM is preparing to part ways with the 71-year-old media icon as his current $100 million contract expires later this year. Though the company is expected to make Stern an offer, insiders claim it’s not one he’s likely to accept.

“Sirius and Stern are never going to meet on the money he is going to want. It’s no longer worth the investment,” one source told The U.S. Sun. “But as far as him coming back to doing the show, there’s no way they can keep paying his salary.”

Stern, who first joined Sirius in 2006 after a historic run on terrestrial radio, has long been one of the highest-paid personalities in broadcasting. But with a shifting media landscape and changing political winds, his future with the platform looks uncertain.

Ratings vs. Relevance

Despite maintaining a loyal audience and a vast back catalog of memorable interviews, insiders suggest SiriusXM’s decision is less about ratings and more about economics and politics.

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

Stern has been an outspoken critic of former President Donald Trump and openly supported Vice President Kamala Harris during the 2024 election, even interviewing her on his show. That appearance sparked backlash, especially from conservative audiences, many of whom viewed it as partisan and out of touch with mainstream concerns.

Legacy in Radio

Stern rose to national fame in the 1980s and became a household name during his 20-year stint at WXRK in New York. At its peak, The Howard Stern Show was syndicated in 60 markets and drew over 20 million listeners. His move to SiriusXM was a game-changer for both the company and the industry.

Known early in his career for pushing boundaries and embracing shock-jock antics, Stern evolved over the years into one of the most compelling celebrity interviewers on air. From emotional revelations with Lady Gaga to candid moments with Courtney Cox, Stern’s ability to draw out vulnerability made his show a must-listen for fans and guests alike.

Still, the industry has changed—and so has the audience.

“After you saw what happened with Stephen Colbert, it’s like [Sirius] just can’t afford to keep him going,” one insider added, alluding to the cancellation of other politically polarizing figures in media.

What’s Next For Stern?

While it seems unlikely Stern will continue his show under the same terms, reports suggest SiriusXM may strike a separate deal to retain the rights to his extensive archive—a goldmine of content that could continue to draw listeners for years.

Beyond radio, Stern has had success in multiple arenas. His 1997 film Private Parts became a box office hit and offered a raw, humorous look at his rise to fame. He’s also authored several bestselling books and served as a judge on America’s Got Talent from 2012 to 2015.

In his personal life, Stern has been married to Beth Ostrosky Stern, an actress and animal rights activist, since 2008. He shares three daughters with his first wife, Alison Berns.

Whether or not The Howard Stern Show officially signs off this fall, there’s no doubt that Stern leaves behind a controversial but influential legacy. For Christian audiences and others seeking more uplifting or faith-driven content in today’s media environment, his possible exit may signal a new era in mainstream entertainment—one that values clarity over chaos, and hope over shock.