Howard Stern has confirmed that he is staying with SiriusXM for at least three more years, ending months of speculation about the future of his long-running radio show. The broadcasting icon announced the renewal directly to listeners on “The Howard Stern Show” on Tuesday.
The new agreement extends Stern’s tenure at SiriusXM, where his show has aired since 2006, solidifying one of the most influential partnerships in satellite radio history.
Stern Announces Deal On-Air
Speaking candidly during his broadcast, Stern said the new deal allows him to balance his career with more personal time.
“I’m happy to announce that I figured out a way to have it all — more free time, and continuing to be on the radio,” Stern told listeners. “So yes, we are coming back for three more years.”
At the time of the announcement, SiriusXM had not immediately issued an official confirmation of the deal. However, company executives had previously indicated confidence that an agreement would be reached.
SiriusXM Leadership Expressed Optimism
Earlier this year, SiriusXM executives publicly signaled that they were hopeful about retaining Stern. Speaking at an investment conference in September, SiriusXM CEO Jennifer Witz described Stern as central to the platform’s identity.
“I think he’s been core to our platform for over 20 years, so I’m confident we’ll get to the right place,” Witz said at the time.
The renewal reinforces Stern’s continued importance to SiriusXM as the company navigates a competitive audio landscape shaped by podcasts, streaming platforms, and on-demand content.
A Landmark Radio Career
Howard Stern first signed with Sirius in 2004, ahead of the company’s merger with XM, in a move that reshaped modern radio. His decision to leave terrestrial radio was driven in part by a desire to escape FCC oversight, after broadcasters airing his show had faced millions of dollars in fines related to indecency complaints.
“The Howard Stern Show” officially debuted on SiriusXM in January 2006, marking a turning point for satellite radio and helping establish the platform as a destination for premium, uncensored content.
Stern’s most recent contract before this renewal was a five-year deal signed in 2020. The new three-year agreement suggests a more flexible approach as Stern enters the next phase of his career.
Balancing Longevity and Flexibility
At 71, Stern has increasingly discussed his desire to reduce workload while continuing to produce content on his own terms. The new deal appears designed to accommodate that balance, allowing him to remain on air while enjoying greater personal freedom.
Industry analysts note that Stern’s ability to renegotiate terms later in his career reflects both his enduring audience appeal and SiriusXM’s reliance on marquee talent to retain subscribers.
What Comes Next
While financial terms of the renewal were not disclosed, the agreement ensures that Stern will remain a cornerstone of SiriusXM’s programming through at least 2028.
As the audio industry continues to evolve, Stern’s renewed commitment underscores his lasting influence—and confirms that one of radio’s most distinctive voices is not stepping away just yet.
