The recent news of Howard Stern’s cancellation has sent the radio shock jock into a frenzy. After a two-decade-long run at SiriusXM looks to be coming to a dramatic end. The 71-year-old radio icon, whose $500 million five-year contract is set to expire this fall, is now said to be in full-blown panic mode.
Howard Stern is now scrambling to secure a deal that will keep his iconic show alive. After hosting the second version of The Howard Stern Show since 2006, sources say Stern’s future at the satellite radio giant is uncertain, and the pressure is on.
Radar Online reports that insiders claim Howard is in “very serious negotiations” with SiriusXM, hoping to secure a one- to two-year extension. If the terms are right. His motivation is not only to stay on the air, but to protect the jobs of the longtime staff.
Despite the talks, whispers from behind the scenes suggest SiriusXM may already be preparing to part ways. Insiders say executives believe Howard Stern’s show no longer delivers the value needed to justify the massive salary. One source claims Sirius is planning to make an offer. However, it’s one they don’t expect Stern to accept.
After years of dominating the airwaves, Howard Stern could be facing the same fate as other high-profile personalities who’ve recently been cut due to ballooning costs. This is something that has industry watchers raising eyebrows.
Howard Stern Retirement On The Table
Adding fuel to the fire, Stern has reportedly been hinting at retirement more than usual this year. While he traditionally takes summers off, sources say he’s been vocal about possibly stepping away from the mic for good. With his catalog of uncensored shows likely to be sold for replay purposes, Howard Stern may already be setting up for a post-radio chapter.
His longtime staff has reportedly been left in limbo, hearing only bits and pieces of Stern’s indecision about his future. Some insiders say he’s torn between walking away and holding out for one last massive payday.
As the uncertainty mounts, so do reminders of Stern’s past controversies. In 2013, reports surfaced that Stern allegedly instructed staff to create fake Twitter accounts. This was reportedly done to lure big-name celebrities onto the show. Former staffers have since called the stunt embarrassing and damaging to his legacy, a mark that still lingers as he fights to stay relevant.
Former Howard Stern Show employee John Melendez claimed Stern’s Twitter fan scandal was “a scar in his career.”
“It’s an embarrassment, and I love Howard. But it’s an embarrassment. He should be ashamed to even do that,” Melendez said of the scandal.
With a multi-million-dollar contract hanging in the balance and SiriusXM reportedly ready to move on, Howard Stern may be facing the end of an era. Whether he re-signs, retires, or tries to reinvent himself once again, one thing’s clear. The king of all media is in full survival mode.
Emma Taylor 
Sabrina Russell 
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