Alex Cooper Replacing Howard Stern as SiriusXM’s Top Star
SiriusXM may be preparing for a generational changing of the guard. According to Yahoo, insiders at the satellite radio giant believe Call Her Daddy host Alex Cooper is being groomed to eventually take Howard Stern’s throne as the network’s biggest star.
Cooper, 31, has quickly become the face of SiriusXM’s younger audience. Known for her no-filter style, viral interviews, and savvy use of social media, she’s seen by executives as the perfect contrast to Stern, whose brand of shock radio once redefined the medium but now feels increasingly tied to an older demographic. “She’s the one Sirius is betting the house on,” a source told Yahoo. “Howard’s still Howard, but he’s expensive and part-time. Alex is young, hot, and all about tomorrow.”
Howard Stern vs. Alex Cooper
Stern, 71, has been with SiriusXM since 2006, commanding massive paychecks and shaping the network’s identity around his show. But his relationship with the company has cooled in recent years as contract negotiations drag on. According to insiders, even if Stern re-signs, executives are intent on prioritizing Cooper’s rise. “Inside the building, the energy is clear — she’s the next face of Sirius,” one source bluntly noted.
The evidence is everywhere: Cooper is heavily promoted across SiriusXM platforms, appears at major events, and has direct access to top executives. “They’re building her brand like no one else’s,” another contact said. Meanwhile, Stern’s reduced schedule and towering salary remain a sticking point for the network.
A Generational Shift at SiriusXM
The differences between Stern and Cooper couldn’t be bigger. Stern built his empire in the 1980s and ’90s by pushing the limits of free speech on the airwaves, often drawing outrage with his crude humor, celebrity interviews, and headline-grabbing stunts. For decades, that shock-jock approach made him must listen. But these days, his style feels increasingly dated to younger listeners raised on podcasts and TikTok clips. Stern’s reduced schedule and frequent time off have only reinforced the perception that his best years at SiriusXM are behind him.
Cooper, meanwhile, represents the podcast generation. Her audience is younger, heavily female, and engaged across social platforms in ways Stern’s show never was. She’s built her brand not just through radio, but through Instagram, YouTube, and viral moments that dominate the digital space. For SiriusXM executives, that reach translates to long-term relevance. While Stern’s core fans remain loyal, their average age is climbing, and the network knows it needs to secure the next wave of subscribers.
By putting Cooper front and center, SiriusXM is making a statement: the future belongs to creators who can connect with multiple generations at once, not just boomers and Gen-X’ers.
Alex Cooper’s Brand
Beyond her radio empire, Cooper is branching out into film. In 2025, her two-part documentary premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival, tracing her rise from her childhood in Pennsylvania to the Unwell Tour that made her a household name. She marked the premiere with a heartfelt Instagram post thanking her fans for fueling her success.
For SiriusXM, it’s clear the future is already being shaped. “Howard’s the past,” one executive admitted. “Alex is the future. End of story.”
