Sept. 29 2025, Published 8:00 a.m. ET
The iconic shock jock, Howard Stern, is in a contentious battle to retain his position at SiriusXM, where he has long held the title of King of All Media. However, sources reveal that the satellite radio giant is preparing to phase out the aging star after the expiration of his current contract to make way for fresher talent.
Should Stern, now 71, find himself without a lucrative new contract, he has a strategic exit plan: to announce his departure under the guise of needing to care for his 97-year-old mother, Ray Schiffman Stern, insiders have disclosed.
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Howard Stern’s Battle to Preserve His Career
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Stern’s contract is nearing its end after five years.
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Recently, Stern surprised both fans and his 95-member staff by announcing his delayed return to The Howard Stern Show, coming back nearly a week later than scheduled from his summer vacation.
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According to sources, this move served a dual purpose: showing SiriusXM that he doesn’t rely on the show in his current negotiation phase, as he aims to secure a new deal before the expiration of his $500 million agreement at the end of 2025.
However, insiders have disclosed that Stern’s audience numbers are dwindling, prompting SiriusXM to consider reallocating resources towards newer stars like Call Her Daddy host Alex Cooper, 31, and ESPN personality Stephen A. Smith, 57.
“Stern is losing listeners – and SiriusXM is well aware of it,” the insider explained. “They’re aiming to elevate new talent. Alex Cooper represents the future of the platform; her recent contract worth $125 million over three years speaks volumes.”
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Who Will Succeed Howard Stern?
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Scott Greenstein hailed Stephen A. Smith as a ‘singular talent’ and a leading voice in today’s media.
READ MORE ON EXCLUSIVES
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Smith recently signed a multiyear deal with SiriusXM to host a daily program on Mad Dog Sports Radio alongside discussions about current events and pop culture.
“Stephen A. is an extraordinary talent and one of the most pivotal voices in the media landscape today,” said SiriusXM’s Chief Content Officer, Scott Greenstein.
Moreover, insiders have indicated that negotiations with Stern have stalled, as the network reportedly plans to present a lowball proposition that they expect he will decline.
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SiriusXM intends to elevate Cooper and Smith as leaders to guide the brand into the next decade.
In addition, Stern has revealed that he’s experienced personal struggles, including the passing of his father, who succumbed to prostate cancer in 2022 at 99 years old, ongoing tensions with his wife, Beth Ostrosky, over his obsessive germaphobia during the pandemic, and concerns regarding his mother’s ongoing health issues.
As a result, sources indicate that SiriusXM is subtly hinting that Stern may be viewed as a relic of the past.
“The network’s focus is on promoting Alex Cooper and Stephen A. Smith,” the insider asserted. “They see these individuals as capable of leading the brand well into the next decade.”
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