Howard Stern Scrambles to Save Career as SiriusXM Plans to Drop Him After 20-Year Run

Howard Stern may be facing the end of an era—and he’s not going quietly. The longtime shock jock is reportedly fighting to keep his place on air after two decades at SiriusXM, as insiders say the satellite radio giant is preparing to cut ties with its most expensive host.

At 71, Stern’s $500 million five-year deal is about to expire, and the future of The Howard Stern Show is now hanging in the balance.

According to sources, Stern is in “very serious negotiations” with SiriusXM about a possible extension, though it’s unlikely to be anything close to his current payday. “He may agree to a short-term deal—maybe one or two years—if they can meet him where he wants financially,” one insider claimed. “He doesn’t want to leave his staff high and dry.”

Others close to the situation say Stern has been toying with retirement and has hinted to his team that he’s considering walking away. One source noted he may be planning to sell his vast catalogue of uncensored shows to replay elsewhere.

Rumors began to swirl earlier this month that SiriusXM was ready to pull the plug. Although an offer is expected, insiders claim the company isn’t serious about keeping him onboard. “Sirius and Stern are never going to meet on the money. It’s just not worth the cost anymore,” said one source.

Another added bluntly, “There’s no way they can afford him. After what happened with Stephen Colbert, big salaries like this just aren’t sustainable.”

Stern’s broadcasting legacy is undeniable. He began his rise in the 1980s and helped redefine talk radio. But behind the mic, he’s also courted plenty of controversy—and not just on-air.

In 2013, he reportedly instructed staff to create fake Twitter accounts to help land A-list guests. “Set up a fake Twitter account, become 10 different people—I don’t give a s***,” he allegedly told employees. “I’m telling you, every celebrity reads their Twitter.”

Former staffer John Melendez, who worked with Stern from 1988 to 2004, called the scheme “a scar on his career.”

“It’s an embarrassment—and I love Howard—but it’s an embarrassment. He should be ashamed,” Melendez said.

With his show’s future in limbo and his reputation under fresh scrutiny, the self-proclaimed King of All Media may soon find himself dethroned.