Howard Stern, the self-proclaimed “King of All Media,” is making headlines again, but this time, it’s not for a viral interview or a controversial rant. As of August 2025, Stern’s legendary Howard Stern Show is reportedly on the chopping block, with SiriusXM allegedly unwilling to renew his $100 million-a-year contract. The rumors have sent shockwaves through the radio world, leaving fans wondering if Stern’s 20-year satellite radio reign is truly over. Let’s break down the numbers, the drama, and what this means for Stern’s legacy.
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The $650 Million Man: Stern’s Net Worth and Earnings
Howard Stern’s net worth in 2025 sits at a staggering $650 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth. That fortune didn’t come overnight—it’s the result of decades of boundary-pushing radio, blockbuster SiriusXM deals, bestselling books, and even a stint as an America’s Got Talent judge. His current five-year contract with SiriusXM, signed in 2020, pays him between $80 million and $120 million annually, totaling up to $600 million. But here’s the kicker: after production costs, staff salaries, and taxes, Stern reportedly pockets “only” about $40 million a year.
The SiriusXM deal was a game-changer. Back in 2004, Stern’s first contract with the platform was worth $500 million over five years, revolutionizing media salaries. Since then, he’s earned over $1 billion from SiriusXM alone, not counting his terrestrial radio days, book royalties (Private Parts, Howard Stern Comes Again), or real estate (like his $50 million Hamptons mansion). Stern’s ability to monetize his brand is unmatched, but even that might not be enough to save his show.
Show Cancelled? The SiriusXM Standoff
The big news in August 2025 is that The Howard Stern Show might be ending. Multiple reports claim SiriusXM plans to let Stern’s contract expire in late 2025 without a meaningful renewal offer. Insiders say the company “can’t afford” his salary anymore and that the show is “no longer worth the investment.” The comparison to Stephen Colbert’s recent Late Show cancellation, also framed as a “financial decision,” is hard to ignore.
Stern’s team hasn’t confirmed anything, but sources suggest he’s open to a short-term extension if the money’s right. Otherwise, he might walk away entirely. There’s also talk of Stern selling his back catalog of shows to SiriusXM for replay on Howard 100 and Howard 101, a move that could keep his voice on air without the hefty price tag of new episodes.
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Politics might be playing a role, too. Stern’s shift from right-wing shock jock to outspoken Trump critic has alienated some listeners. One insider claimed SiriusXM’s reluctance to re-sign him has “everything to do with the political climate.” Ratings have dipped, from 20 million daily listeners at his peak to around 125,000 recently, though Stern’s team would argue that’s partly due to his remote work setup (he’s mostly broadcasted from home since COVID-19).
What’s Next for Howard Stern?
If this is the end, Stern’s exit marks a seismic shift in radio. His show redefined the medium, blending raw interviews, outrageous humor, and unfiltered honesty. Whether he retires, pivots to podcasting, or negotiates a last-minute deal, one thing’s clear: Howard Stern’s impact on media is permanent. And with $650 million in the bank, he’ll be just fine.
