Howard Stern to leave SiriusXM for his mother
Howard Stern is reportedly fighting to save his job at SiriusXM and hang on to his self-proclaimed title as King of All Media, after months of speculation about his future after cancelation rumors. However, the satellite network is aiming to sideline the aging star after the conclusion of his current contract to clear the field for more relevant talent, RadarOnline.com has reported.
Howard Stern reportedly struggling
But if Stern fails to secure a profitable new deal, he plans to save face by announcing he’s leaving his radio home of two decades to be by the side of his ailing mom, 97-year-old Ray Schiffman Stern, as per sources of the outlet.
The legendary shock jock icon recently blindsided fans – and his 95 employees – by unexpectedly announcing that he’d return to The Howard Stern Show nearly a week later than planned from his scheduled summer break.
Reports suggested that the move had a secondary motive to show SiriusXM he doesn’t need the job he’s scrambling to keep as he attempts to nail down a new agreement since his five-year $500 million deal expires at the end of 2025.
It is reported that the host’s popularity is fading and SiriusXM wants to free up cash to hold on to hot properties like Call Her Daddy podcast queen Alex Cooper, and ESPN firebrand Stephen A. Smith.
“Stern is bleeding listeners – and SiriusXM knows it,” an insider claimed to RadarOnline.com. “They’re looking at who’s next. Alex Cooper is the future of the platform – they gave her $125 million for three years for a reason. She’s young, digital-first and advertisers love her.”
Smith recently inked a multiyear contract with SiriusXM to provide a daily talk show for Mad Dog Sports Radio and another spot where he can blather about weekly current events and pop culture.
Howard Stern’s bond with his family
Howard Stern has often spoken about the profound influence his mother, Ray Schiffman Stern, had on his life and career. In interviews over the years, Stern has described Ray as a strong personality whose sharp wit and unfiltered honesty shaped much of his own trademark radio persona. He has shared stories about how influential she was in shaping him to be the captivating radio host he is to this day.
Stern’s father, Ben Stern, also played a pivotal role. As a recording engineer and co-owner of a New York studio, he exposed Howard to radio and sound equipment at an early age, setting the stage for his future path. In recent years, as Ray’s health has declined, Stern has made clear that being present for his mother has become a top priority. His priority for his family is evident when he hints that stepping back from SiriusXM may be in his future.
