Howard Stern on Monday publicly rejected claims that he had been fired from SiriusXM, saying the reports are false and that he cannot depart at this moment. The 71-year-old entertainer, whose current five-year contract runs through the end of 2025, called the firing stories “zero truth” and complained that the gossip has frustrated plans he had been considering about retirement. Stern also addressed reports tying tensions to the hiring of podcaster Alex Cooper, saying he supports bringing in new subscribers and that he is “very happy at Sirius.” The remarks followed a prank-filled return to air after a short absence prompted by illness and a delayed comeback originally teased for Sept. 2 but moved to Sept. 8.
Key Takeaways
- Howard Stern denied reports he was fired from SiriusXM, calling the claims “zero truth” and saying he cannot leave now; his comments aired Sept. 8, 2025.
- Stern’s current five-year deal expires at the end of 2025 and has been reported as worth about $100 million per year; SiriusXM retains his archive rights through 2027.
- SiriusXM’s subscriber base fell from roughly 34 million in 2020 to about 33 million in Q2 2025, amid company cost-cutting and a 2025 goal of $200 million in annualized savings.
- Analyst estimates from 2020 suggested up to 15% of Stern listeners might cancel if he left, equal to an estimated 2.7 million subscribers at the time—figures often cited in renewal discussions.
- The on-air episode included a gag by Andy Cohen implying Stern had been ousted, which prompted a wave of listener calls and a brief pre-market dip in SiriusXM shares.
- Stern acknowledged a recent illness after attending a Metallica concert and said his cold could affect his broadcast schedule this week.
- Despite circulating suitors and public speculation, SiriusXM executives have signaled a desire to retain Stern while ensuring any new deal makes financial sense for the company.
Background
Howard Stern joined Sirius in 2006 and has been a prominent draw for the satellite radio provider for nearly two decades. His program is widely viewed within the company as a subscription retention tool, though SiriusXM has not released granular listenership metrics tied directly to his show. Contract renewals for high-profile talent at SiriusXM have historically attracted public attention because of the potential impact on subscriber churn and the company’s revenue model.
In recent years SiriusXM has faced slowing subscriber growth and has responded with cost-management measures, including layoffs and a stated target of $200 million in annualized savings for 2025. Executive comments indicate the company values marquee talent but is also scrutinizing long-term deals that carry steep annual costs, especially when air schedules change and hosts broadcast less frequently.
Main Event
On Sept. 8, 2025, Stern opened his show addressing persistent rumors that he had been fired amid contract negotiations. He read headlines aloud, labeled some reports fabricated—particularly those suggesting he was dismissed for being “too woke”—and noted that stories alleging jealousy over Andy Cohen’s promotion were untrue. Stern repeated that there was “zero truth” to claims he had been removed and expressed annoyance that the rumors have curtailed his ability to consider retirement plans.
The broadcast contained a staged segment in which Andy Cohen pretended to take over Channel 100, teasing that Stern was gone and briefly spooking listeners. That prank prompted several callers to report canceling subscriptions in the moment, with some immediately reinstating them. Market reaction was visible: SiriusXM shares dipped briefly in pre-market trading after the Cohen gag aired.
Stern also addressed the hiring of podcaster Alex Cooper, telling listeners he did not personally know her but supported bringing new talent into the SiriusXM ecosystem because he holds stock and wants the company to grow its audience. He said he is “very happy at Sirius,” while simultaneously noting his own advanced age—71—and earlier signals that he had contemplated retirement.
Analysis & Implications
Stern’s public denial reduces immediate uncertainty but leaves the longer-term contract question unresolved. With his current deal expiring at the end of 2025 and an estimated annual value near $100 million, negotiations will hinge on how SiriusXM balances the cost of retaining a high-profile host with pressures to cut costs and improve margins. The company’s $200 million savings target for 2025 underscores a heightened focus on fiscal discipline.
Subscriber dynamics matter materially. Past analyst work suggesting up to 15% of Stern listeners might leave if he departed translates into millions of potential cancellations, a scenario SiriusXM is keen to avoid. Even if those estimates are dated, the perception of Stern as a subscriber anchor gives him leverage in talks—but not unlimited leverage when management faces public-company responsibilities and shareholder scrutiny.
The episode also shows how entertainment narratives can move markets and consumer behavior in real time. A prank meant for amusement triggered emotional reactions and a brief stock-market response, illustrating the operational risk companies accept when talent-driven stunts intersect with investor sensitivity and subscriber actions.
Comparison & Data
| Metric | 2020 | Q2 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Estimated SiriusXM subscribers | ~34 million | ~33 million |
| Estimated Stern-related cancellation risk | 15% (~2.7 million) | Not re-estimated publicly |
| Stern contract value (reported) | ~$100 million per year (current five-year deal through 2025) | |
| Archive rights held by SiriusXM | Through 2027 | |
These figures show modest subscriber decline alongside substantial reported talent costs. The 15% cancellation figure stems from a 2020 analyst estimate and has been widely cited in coverage, but SiriusXM has not published a firm, updated peer-reviewed estimate of the potential churn tied to Stern’s departure. Contractual rights to Stern’s back catalog through 2027 give the company some continuing control over historical content even if future broadcast terms change.
Reactions & Quotes
Before Stern spoke, Andy Cohen staged a takeover bit that many listeners mistook for reality; listeners’ immediate reactions included emotional calls and temporary subscription cancellations.
This is, I know, not the voice that you expected to hear. This is not the voice that you probably wanted to hear, but it is I, Andy Cohen, and this is our first day broadcasting on Channel 100.
Andy Cohen (on-air stunt)
Stern later criticized the rumor cycle and made clear he was displeased that gossip had limited his retirement discussions.
None of this is going on. None of it is true. Zero truth. What pisses me off is now I can’t leave.
Howard Stern (Sept. 8, 2025 broadcast)
Industry observers noted the commercial stakes: top-line subscription numbers influence investor sentiment, and star-host negotiations are closely watched by analysts and management alike.
Top talent can move the needle on subscriptions, but companies are increasingly weighing retention value against fixed contract costs in a slower-growth environment.
Industry analyst (comment on contract renewals)
Unconfirmed
- Claims that Stern was fired because he was “too woke” are unverified and denied by Stern; there is no public evidence to support that motive.
- Precise audience figures tied directly to Stern’s show and an updated estimate of potential churn if he leaves have not been released by SiriusXM; past estimates are from 2020 and may not reflect current dynamics.
- Reports that SiriusXM will not renew Stern’s contract at any specific number are speculative until formal terms are announced by either party.
Bottom Line
Howard Stern’s on-air denial calms immediate speculation about a firing but does not resolve the underlying contract negotiation that will come due at the end of 2025. Financial pressures at SiriusXM, including a push for $200 million in annualized savings and modest subscriber declines, create a negotiating backdrop that could limit headline-grabbing deals even for marquee talent.
For listeners and investors alike, the situation bears watching: any eventual resolution will signal how SiriusXM balances legacy talent with fiscal discipline and evolving programming strategy. Until either side publicly files new terms or a formal announcement is made, commentators should treat figures beyond the documented contract end dates and archive rights as provisional.
Sources
- The Hollywood Reporter — media report summarizing the Sept. 8 broadcast and recent coverage (press)
- SiriusXM Investor Relations — corporate filings and subscriber data (official)
- Credit Suisse analysis (Brian Russ, 2020) — analyst estimate cited regarding potential churn tied to Stern (financial analyst)
- U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission filings — for company disclosures and public financial statements (official filings)