Howard Stern Returns to SiriusXM After Prank on Listeners

Howard Stern, the iconic radio host known for his provocative style, has made a highly publicized return to the airwaves of SiriusXM after a prank that led listeners to speculate about his departure. During the opening of his show on September 8, 2025, Stern, 71, welcomed fellow broadcaster Andy Cohen, who jokingly admitted to feeling unprepared for the segment. This unexpected return follows weeks of speculation fueled by promotional teasers suggesting that Stern might be leaving the network.

Stern’s association with SiriusXM began in 2006 when he signed a lucrative contract that transformed both his career and the satellite radio industry. His arrival marked a pivotal moment for Sirius, making him one of the highest-paid figures in broadcasting. On the SiriusXM homepage, Stern’s presence is underscored with dedicated tabs, including “For You,” “Music,” “Talk & Podcasts,” “Sports,” and notably, “Howard.”

Promotional videos leading up to his return hinted at a potential cancellation, stating, “The tabloids have spoken: Howard Stern fired, canceled.” This narrative intensified after Stern postponed his return from a summer hiatus, leaving fans anxious about the future of The Howard Stern Show. The show has garnered a dedicated following, with Stern previously drawing over 20 million listeners during its peak years in the 1980s and 1990s.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding his show, SiriusXM has evolved since Stern’s arrival, becoming home to notable podcasts such as “Call Her Daddy,” “SmartLess,” and “Freakonomics Radio.” The platform, however, faces challenges as its subscriber base continues to dwindle, reporting 33 million paid subscribers in the second quarter of 2025—down by 68,000 from the previous quarter and 100,000 fewer than the same period in 2024. This decline is attributed to a saturated satellite market and fierce competition from free streaming services like Spotify.

Stern has renewed his contract with SiriusXM multiple times, including a substantial five-year agreement worth $500 million in 2020. He has conducted notable interviews with high-profile artists, including Lady Gaga and Bruce Springsteen, showcasing his transition from shock jock to respected interviewer. According to Scott Greenstein, SiriusXM’s president and chief content officer, “He’s been with me and the company going on two decades, and so he’s pretty happy, but he’s also able, like many great artists, to stop whenever he wants.”

Stern’s career began at WXRK in New York, where he gained national fame for his controversial content. His past segments included outrageous antics and celebrity interviews that pushed boundaries, attracting both acclaim and criticism. His influence extended beyond radio, with his 1997 film “Private Parts” achieving box office success and providing insight into his rise to fame.

As Stern resumes his broadcasting duties, the radio landscape continues to evolve. His return not only reinforces his enduring presence in the industry but also highlights the ongoing challenges faced by traditional media in an era dominated by digital platforms. The future of his show remains bright, as evidenced by the excitement surrounding his latest appearance, signaling that the King of All Media is not going anywhere just yet.