Howard Stern’s latest SiriusXM stunt proves he’s still got a knack for stirring the pot. On Monday, the radio legend announced he’s sticking with the satellite radio giant, putting an end to months of speculation about his next move.
Fox News reported that Stern’s announcement came after weeks of chatter about his future with SiriusXM, where his contract is set to expire at year’s end.
The radio host, known for his provocative style, didn’t confirm a new deal but made it clear he’s not going anywhere yet. His team and SiriusXM are hashing out plans to keep the show rolling.
Cohen’s prank kicked things off with a jolt, as he jokingly claimed his “Andy 100” show would replace Stern’s. “I’m kind of winging it,” Cohen quipped, calling the morning “surreal.”
The gag fooled some media outlets into reporting Stern’s retirement, only for them to backtrack when the truth came out.
Stern was supposed to address his plans earlier, on September 2, but illness pushed the reveal back. When he finally spoke, he kept it simple: “I’m very happy at Sirius.” That’s classic Stern—teasing drama only to deliver a straightforward jab at the rumor mill.
The prank and subsequent announcement show Stern’s still got a flair for theatrics, even if his show’s tone has shifted. Once the king of shock jock radio, Stern’s program has moved away from its edgy roots since Donald Trump’s first election. Critics might say he’s softened, but Stern’s pivot seems more calculated than cowardly.
“They’ve approached me, they’ve sat down with me like they normally do, and they’re fantastic,” Stern said of SiriusXM’s approach to his future.
The praise sounds genuine, but it’s also a reminder that Stern knows how to play the corporate game. Loyalty to SiriusXM might just be his smartest move yet.
Stern’s recent years have seen him lean into a more progressive stance, a far cry from his old boundary-pushing days. In 2023, he called being labeled “woke” a “compliment.” That’s a head-scratcher for conservatives who remember when Stern’s irreverence didn’t pick sides.
His disdain for Trump voters came through loud and clear in 2024. “I think they’re stupid,” he said, dismissing their reasoning outright.
It’s a bold stance, but alienating half the country might not be the savviest move for a guy who built his empire on broad appeal.
Stern’s political turn was on full display when he interviewed Joe Biden in 2024. He gushed about being a “big admirer,” diving into light topics like Biden’s football days and Senate campaign. The chummy tone felt more like a fan meet-and-greet than hard-hitting journalism.
Stern’s October 2024 sit-down with Kamala Harris, then the Democratic presidential candidate, doubled down on his anti-Trump stance.
“I don’t think he should be anywhere near the White House,” he told Harris. The comment’s less about policy and more about Stern picking a team, which risks turning off listeners who prefer their radio hosts less preachy.
“I really believe we’re in for the darkest skies,” Stern warned Harris, painting a grim picture of a Trump victory. It’s dramatic, sure, but it’s also the kind of hyperbole that makes conservatives roll their eyes. Stern’s apocalyptic rhetoric feels more like performance art than principled critique.
“God bless you for doing this,” he added to Harris, sounding more like a cheerleader than a journalist. The fawning tone undermines any claim to objectivity. For a guy who once thrived on challenging everyone, this one-sidedness feels like a step backward.
Stern’s shift from shock jock to woke warrior has sparked plenty of debate among fans. His SiriusXM announcement might keep him on the air, but it’s his political evolution that’s got people talking.
For now, Stern’s happy at SiriusXM, and his fans will keep listening—at least those who haven’t changed the dial.
His contract talks may shape the show’s future, but his recent interviews suggest he’s more interested in preaching than provoking. Time will tell if that’s a winning bet or a self-inflicted wound.
