After months of speculation about his future, Howard Stern has officially agreed to remain on SiriusXM for three more years, ensuring that The Howard Stern Show will continue airing through at least 2028. The announcement came during Stern’s broadcast on Tuesday, December 16, ending a summer and fall of rumor, uncertainty and even prank-fueled confusion around the legendary radio host’s contract.
The 71-year-old shock jock, who has been a cornerstone of SiriusXM since joining the platform in 2006, revealed the deal live on the air. In classic Stern fashion, he mixed humor with sincerity, telling listeners that he has “figured out a way to have it all”: more personal time while still doing what he loves most. “Yes, we are coming back for three years,” Stern said, adding that he still genuinely enjoys radio even after decades behind the mic.
This new extension arrives amid intense speculation that Stern might retire or even see his show canceled as his previous contract, reportedly a massive five-year, half-billion-dollar deal from 2020, neared its expiration. Earlier this year, industry chatter and insider reports suggested SiriusXM might not renew the agreement at its previous scale, in part due to the evolving media landscape and changing subscriber dynamics. Some outlets even reported staff preparing for life after The Howard Stern Show.
The uncertainty peaked this past September when Stern orchestrated one of his more elaborate pranks in years, briefly convincing even major news outlets that he had left the network. Bravo personality, and king, Andy Cohen opened The Howard Stern Show under the joke banner “Andy 100,” convincing some listeners – and analysts – that Stern was out and done. Minutes later, Stern returned to clarify the stunt, laugh at the chaos it caused, and dismiss rumors he was “fired” or stepping away.
But behind the joke lay genuine negotiations. According to reports, SiriusXM and Stern’s team had been in talks about the host’s future for months, with both sides looking for common ground on schedule flexibility and the show’s direction. This new three-year pact appears to strike that balance: Stern gets more free time, and SiriusXM keeps the voice that has anchored its Howard 100 and 101 channels for nearly two decades.
Stern’s longevity in radio is remarkable. He began his broadcasting career in the 1980s. He became a satellite radio pioneer when he left traditional FM radio to join Sirius Satellite Radio, a move that reshaped the industry and helped SiriusXM build a loyal subscription base. Along the way, Stern was inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame and became one of the highest-paid entertainers in broadcasting.
For fans, the news brings relief and excitement. After a year of rumor and speculation, one of radio’s most prominent personalities has committed to keeping his presence on the airwaves and doing it on his own terms. Whether you’ve tuned in for decades or just caught a few clips online, it’s clear Howard Stern’s voice isn’t going silent anytime soon.
REELated:
Is the Howard Stern show really over? Here’s what we know
