Howard Stern is currently engaged in discussions with SiriusXM regarding the renewal of his contract. The veteran radio personality confirmed these negotiations during an interview with fellow SiriusXM host Andy Cohen. Stern expressed his deep connection to the satellite radio company, highlighting his role in its growth and subscriber expansion since joining in 2006.
During the conversation, Stern also indicated a desire for a form of "ownership" within the company if he extends his tenure. He already holds stock in SiriusXM. His current five-year agreement is set to conclude at the end of 2025.
Key Takeaways
- Howard Stern is in active contract negotiations with SiriusXM.
- He seeks a form of "ownership" in the company if he renews.
- Stern joined SiriusXM in 2006 and helped grow its subscriber base.
- His current five-year contract ends in late 2025.
- SiriusXM leadership is optimistic about reaching an agreement.
Contract Negotiations and Ownership Aspirations
Stern, aged 71, shared his perspective on the ongoing talks. He conveyed a pragmatic view, stating,
"I’m talking to Sirius right now about extending in some way, and if that works out great, and if it doesn’t, great. I mean not great, I love this company."This statement underscores his affection for SiriusXM, despite the uncertainty of the negotiations.
His move to Sirius in 2006 marked a significant shift in his career. At that time, he noted, Sirius satellite radio had approximately 200,000 subscribers. The company also faced strong competition from XM, which later merged with Sirius. Stern believes his presence contributed significantly to the platform's expansion and diversification.
He articulated his pride in the company's current state.
"Today, there’s this robust company that is broadcasting, and a guy like you comes on and you create Radio Andy, and they’re right wing and left wing and music. And you know, there’s every kind of thing you could want, and I’m very proud of it. And if I do end up staying with this company, I’m going to take ownership of that,"Stern explained to Cohen.
Quick Fact
Howard Stern's five-year deal, expiring at the end of 2025, was reportedly valued at approximately $100 million per year.The Importance of Stern's Content Archive
The topic of Stern's extensive show archive also arose during the interview. Cohen asked if the archive is part of each new contract negotiation. Stern did not directly answer this question, citing confidentiality clauses.
He explained,
"One of the things that I will tell you is that when I make a deal with Sirius, they don’t want me talking about it, and I don’t want them talking about it, but they do consider that material very important."This suggests the archive holds significant value for both parties.
Background Information
In 2024, SiriusXM President Scott Greenstein confirmed to The Hollywood Reporter that SiriusXM would retain ownership of Stern’s content library for several years, even if Stern were to retire. This highlights the long-term asset value of his past work.SiriusXM's Perspective on Negotiations
SiriusXM leadership has also commented on the ongoing talks. On Monday, CEO Jennifer Witz expressed optimism about the outcome. She told The Hollywood Reporter that she believed they would
"get to the right place."This indicates a mutual interest in reaching an agreement.
Rumors circulated earlier this summer about SiriusXM potentially not renewing Stern's contract. These rumors were linked to his high salary and a perceived less frequent broadcasting schedule. Additionally, speculation about Stern's retirement has been present for years, given his decades-long career.
Addressing Public Rumors and Show Evolution
Stern also addressed recent rumors suggesting he had been removed from the air for being "too woke." He clarified that he was simply on vacation when these rumors emerged.
He responded to the "woke" criticism, saying,
"If I’m too woke, the world has turned upside down. I mean, holy shit, the stuff I do and talk about, I don’t even know what that means. But you know what if it means I’m awakened, God bless."This statement reflects his view on the shifting cultural landscape.
Political Views and Past Relationships
During the discussion, Stern touched upon his past friendship with Donald Trump. He mentioned attending each other's weddings and being present at Mar-a-Lago when Trump announced his first presidential campaign. However, their relationship changed after Trump asked Stern to introduce him at the Republican Convention.
Stern declined the request, informing Trump that he was a supporter of Hillary Clinton. This marked the last time the two spoke. The anecdote provides insight into Stern's personal and political boundaries.
The Dynamic Nature of The Howard Stern Show
Cohen also inquired about Stern's favorite era of his show. Stern stated that he does not have one, emphasizing the necessity for constant change and evolution in his program. He believes a show must adapt with its host.
"The show has to constantly change and evolve. At my age now, it can’t be what I did when I was 20, right? It can’t be when I was 30,"Stern asserted.
He reflected on his early career, when his primary focus was to challenge societal norms.
"When I started the show, all I thought about was, ‘I’ve got to break down every taboo,’ right? You know, they say I can’t talk about sex. I’d have porn stars in every day,"he recalled.
Stern described his early show as salacious. However, he also saw it as a deliberate effort to provoke thought and discuss topics considered taboo at the time, such as religion, sexuality, and drug use. He summarized his younger self as an "angry guy" who did not consider the consequences of his words.
- Early Show Focus: Breaking taboos, discussing controversial subjects.
- Current Philosophy: Continuous evolution and adaptation to his age and perspective.
- Impact: Helped establish SiriusXM as a major broadcasting platform.
The negotiations continue to be a significant point of interest for both the entertainment industry and SiriusXM subscribers, as Stern's future with the company remains a key topic.