Howard Stern Cancelled: Are Ratings or Politics to Blame? The Harsh Truth Behind His SiriusXM Exit

The long-running Howard Stern Show is reportedly facing cancellation at the end of 2025, as SiriusXM prepares not to renew Stern's $100 million-a-year contract. Sources close to the satellite radio giant claim that several factors are at the core of the decision, despite Stern's two-decade tenure on the platform.

A Two-Decade Run Nears Its End

Howard Stern joined SiriusXM in 2006 after leaving terrestrial radio, bringing his shock-jock style and loyal following to the then-emerging satellite broadcasting market. His move was considered a landmark moment for subscription audio, positioning SiriusXM as a disruptive force in the radio industry. The broadcaster signed several high-value contracts with the company over the years, including his most recent $100 million deal.

Stern, now 71, remains one of the most recognisable voices in American broadcasting. However, the media environment has evolved, with streaming platforms and podcasts taking centre stage. Analysts have pointed to Stern's limited social media presence and fewer viral segments as indicators that the show no longer commands the cultural relevance it once did.

Insiders Reveal Why SiriusXM Is Cutting Ties

While political controversies and Stern's outspoken views have drawn headlines in recent years, sources suggest that the primary reason for SiriusXM's decision is a significant drop in audience numbers. Though SiriusXM does not publicly release detailed ratings, insiders allege that listenership for The Howard Stern Show has steadily declined.

'Sirius and Stern are never going to meet on the money he is going to want. It's no longer worth the investment,' one insider told The Sun, the first outlet to report the story. 'There's no way they can keep paying his salary.'

The insider also told the outlet that although Sirius is 'planning to make him an offer, they don't intend for him to take it.' The insider also noted that this low-ball offer has nothing to do with Stern's ratings, and 'it's more likely everything to do with the political climate.'

The show's reduced influence is also evident in external engagement metrics, with fewer media pickups and decreasing buzz around new interviews and content.

Industry observers have noted that Stern's show, once a staple of water-cooler conversation, has lost traction in an era where short-form video and algorithm-driven content dominate the public sphere.

SiriusXM's Broader Strategy Amid Shifting Media Landscape

Beyond the internal debate over ratings and costs, SiriusXM appears to be re-evaluating its long-term talent strategy in response to evolving audience habits and market pressures. The company has made recent moves to diversify its content portfolio, investing in podcasting, emerging creators, and on-demand programming more suited to younger demographics.

While The Howard Stern Show was once a flagship product that helped define SiriusXM's identity, its premium pricing model may no longer align with the network's future direction. Media analysts suggest that the platform is moving away from high-risk, high-cost legacy contracts in favour of scalable and socially adaptive content models.

In the absence of a public statement, speculation continues about whether SiriusXM's decision was driven more by budgetary recalibration or changing brand priorities. As streaming and digital-first platforms dominate listener engagement, satellite radio providers are under pressure to adapt or risk obsolescence.

Industry experts note that Stern's style of long-form, personality-driven broadcasting—while still influential—faces increasing competition from faster-paced and algorithmically promoted formats across YouTube, TikTok, and Spotify.