Howard Stern has delayed his long-anticipated return to SiriusXM, with insiders pointing to stalled contract talks and personal concerns.
The 71-year-old broadcaster informed his staff of 95 people through email on Labor Day that he would not be returning to the air this week. The announcement came after Stern had teased a post-summer comeback in mid-August. Sources described the message as unexpected but carefully written to avoid raising alarm among employees.
Reports suggest Howard Stern’s decision is tied to frustrations over ongoing contract negotiations. His current five-year deal with SiriusXM, worth $500 million, expires at the end of 2025. If no new agreement is reached, it could mark the end of his two-decade partnership with the satellite radio giant.
In addition to business issues, Stern is also facing personal challenges. His mother, Ray Schiffman Stern, who will turn 98 in October, is dealing with chronic health problems. The radio host has previously spoken on-air about her struggles with pain, describing it as “heartbreaking.”
Speculation about Stern’s future grew after he hinted in August that he would address his career plans on September 2. Fans and critics wondered whether he would announce retirement, cancellation, or a contract renewal. Former staff member Steve Grillo dismissed the anticipation as a publicity tactic, while others noted the decline in Stern’s audience compared to his peak years.
Once known as the “King of All Media,” Howard Stern commanded nearly 20 million weekly listeners during his height in terrestrial radio. However, estimates suggest his SiriusXM audience has dropped to around 125,000.
SiriusXM president Scott Greenstein has stated that Stern will ultimately decide when to end his career, saying, “Like many great artists, he’s able to stop whenever he wants.”
Read Also: Cristiano Ronaldo Increases Family Security Amid Rising Threats
