Radio icon Howard Stern has officially put an end to widespread speculation about his retirement, announcing a new three-year contract with SiriusXM. The 71-year-old shock jock made the announcement on his show on the morning of Tuesday, December 16, 2025.
A Decision for the Fans and the Freedom
In his characteristic candid style, Stern admitted to being torn between his career and a desire for personal time. "I'm old as f---. I'm not supposed to be working … On the one hand, I want to stop and smell the roses … To be free of the career would be a blessing, for sure," Stern told his audience. However, after more than five decades on the air, he concluded that he would miss the show and his listeners too much to walk away.
"I love being on the radio … I'm happy to announce that I figured out a way to have it all. More free time and continuing to be on the radio, so yes, we are coming back for three years," he declared, adding a humorous note about his age: "I hope I don't die during this contract because I'm at that weird age."
Silencing the Summer of Speculation
The new deal comes after months of intense rumours and media reports suggesting Stern's two-decade run with the satellite radio giant was coming to an end. Earlier in the summer of 2025, sources claimed SiriusXM was prepared to part ways with the host, with insiders suggesting the company felt it was "no longer worth the investment" to meet Stern's salary demands. His previous five-year contract, signed in 2020, was reportedly worth between $450 million and $500 million.
Some reports also speculated that Stern's outspoken criticism of former U.S. President Donald Trump and unvaccinated Americans played a role in the perceived rift. Stern addressed the chatter head-on, expressing frustration at being portrayed as "some sort of loser" and dismissed the rumours as "vicious lies" and "dumb s---."
He clarified that the hesitation to renew came from his side, not the company's. "The problem was me … I love these guys at SiriusXM. I truly do," Stern said. "They did want me to come back, and they said, 'Whatever you want to do, we'll do for you.'"
The Legacy and the Future
While the financial terms of the new three-year agreement were not disclosed, Stern confirmed he negotiated a "more flexible schedule" for this chapter of his career. His impact on the platform is undeniable; when Stern joined Sirius Satellite Radio in 2006, the service had approximately 700,000 subscribers. Today, SiriusXM boasts 33 million subscribers and 170 million monthly listeners, a growth to which Stern's show has been central.
The announcement also served as a rebuttal to critics, including Donald Trump, who had cheered on reports of Stern's potential departure. Trump had previously called Stern a "broken weirdo" amid their public feud. Stern did not directly address Trump's comments in his announcement broadcast.
Looking ahead, Stern reflected on the internal conflict that preceded his decision, acknowledging his lifelong dedication to work. "I need me time. I've never had me time. I've been working my whole life," he mused. Yet, his passion for the microphone ultimately prevailed. "I was really torn up. I still do love being on the radio. I think the show is better than ever." With this new deal, listeners can expect the King of All Media to continue his reign on satellite radio for years to come.
