Howard Stern Pranks Fans with Exit Hoax on SiriusXM

Radio host Howard Stern surprised listeners on Monday when Andy Cohen took over his timeslot and announced that the channel was now called “Andy 100.” This was part of a prank following weeks of speculation about the future of Stern’s show, leading to confusion among fans regarding his status with SiriusXM.

Cohen, who is known for his role as the executive producer of *The Real Housewives*, began his segment by addressing the rumors surrounding Stern’s potential departure. “There’s been a lot of talk about what’s going to happen with Howard’s deal. Is he fired? I don’t know how much I’m allowed to say, except that he’s not here and I am,” he stated. He described the hand-off as “not clean” and expressed his admiration for Stern, saying, “I can’t possibly fill his void.”

Stern’s Return and Future with SiriusXM

After the prank, Stern joined Cohen on-air, confirming that he would continue his work with SiriusXM. “I was just getting so f—ing annoyed with everyone writing me, asking me if I was OK because I’d been fired,” he said. He emphasized his satisfaction with SiriusXM, highlighting interest from other companies in *The Howard Stern Show* as a positive aspect of the situation.

Stern’s current contract, which is set to expire at the end of 2025, has been a topic of speculation since he postponed his return from a summer break. Initially scheduled to return on September 2, 2024, he later moved the date to September 8, 2024, which fueled further rumors about his future with the network.

In discussions about his future, Stern noted, “SiriusXM and my team have been talking about how we go forward in the future. They’ve approached me, they’ve sat down with me like they normally do, and they’re fantastic.” His tenure at SiriusXM began when he joined what was then Sirius Satellite Radio Inc. in 2006, establishing him as one of the highest-paid personalities in broadcasting.

Impact on SiriusXM and Future Prospects

Stern has renewed his contract with SiriusXM twice previously, most notably in 2020, when he signed a five-year deal worth US$500 million, according to *Forbes*. SiriusXM’s president and chief content officer, Scott Greenstein, commented on Stern’s long-standing relationship with the company, stating, “He’s been with me and the company going on two decades, and so he’s pretty happy, but he’s also able, like many great artists, to stop whenever he wants.”

The playful prank and subsequent confirmation of his ongoing relationship with SiriusXM reflect the unique dynamics of Stern’s career and the company’s reliance on his star power. As speculation continues around his contract, Stern’s influence on satellite radio remains undeniable, and both fans and industry insiders are eager to see how this chapter unfolds.

In closing, SiriusXM CEO Jennifer Witz has expressed confidence in their partnership with Stern, stating, “I think he’s been core to our platform for over 20 years, so I’m confident we’ll get to the right place.”