Radio icon Howard Stern has confirmed he is staying with SiriusXM for another three years, declaring to his audience that he has finally "figured out a way to have it all".
A Sincere Announcement After a Summer Stunt
Making the announcement on his final show of 2025, the 71-year-old broadcaster assured listeners this was no repeat of his August prank, where he brought on Andy Cohen to pretend to be his replacement. Representatives confirmed the new deal is genuine. Stern revealed he has negotiated a "more flexible schedule" which will grant him greater freedom while allowing him to continue the work he loves.
"I am happy to announce that I have figured out a way to have it all. More free time and continuing to be on the radio. Yes, we are coming back for three years," Stern stated during the broadcast. He emphasised his enduring passion, adding, "And I'm excited about it because you know what. I do still love radio."
The Legacy of a Satellite Radio Pioneer
Howard Stern's move to what was then Sirius Satellite Radio Inc. in 2006 was a landmark moment, transforming both his career and the industry. The lucrative, uncensored platform helped make him one of broadcasting's highest-paid figures and was pivotal for satellite radio's growth. His show, famous for its newsy and intimate interviews with stars like Lady Gaga and Bruce Springsteen, previously dominated terrestrial airwaves, reaching over 20 million listeners across 60 markets at its peak.
Stern's decision to renew was not made alone. He consulted his long-time co-host, Robin Quivers, stating, "If Robin wasn’t up for it, then I wasn’t going to do it." He confirmed she was "up for it," paving the way for the new agreement. The show will return live on January 5.
New Deal Amidst a Challenging Market
The contract extension comes at a time when SiriusXM faces a competitive and saturated audio landscape. The company reported 33 million paid subscribers in the third quarter of 2025, a decline of approximately 100,000 from the previous year. It battles not only a mature satellite market but also fierce competition from free, ad-supported streaming platforms like Spotify.
Stern's continued presence is seen as a key asset for retaining subscribers. His career, which soared to national fame in the 1980s during a 20-year stint at WXRK in New York, was built on pushing boundaries. His move to satellite was fueled by the promise of no censorship after frequent clashes with the Federal Communications Commission over controversial content.
