Howard Stern's SiriusXM Future: Contract Talks Heat Up With "Ownership" Hints

The King of All Media reveals his deal with SiriusXM is still up in the air, hinting at a significant stake in the company he helped launch into the mainstream.

Howard Stern, the legendary radio personality, has confirmed that he has not yet officially extended his contract with Siriusxm, despite recent speculation of a done deal. In a candid interview with fellow SiriusXM host Andy Cohen, Stern opened up about the ongoing negotiations and his vision for his future with the satellite radio giant.

This revelation comes after a period of intense rumor and anticipation regarding Stern's highly lucrative contract, which is set to expire at the end of 2025. Fans and industry insiders alike are closely watching to see how these pivotal discussions will shape the landscape of audio entertainment.

Howard Stern Drops New Details on SiriusXM Negotiations During Andy Cohen Interview

Speaking on Friday, October 10, 2025, during an exclusive special titled "Andy & Howard: One-on-One," Howard Stern shared new insights into his contract talks. He told Andy Cohen, "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."

Stern also reiterated a long-standing practice regarding his contracts: both he and SiriusXM prefer to keep the specifics under wraps. He stated, "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 private approach to negotiations means any public reports should be taken with a grain of salt, straight from the source himself.

Decoding Howard Stern's Desire for "Ownership" in the Company

A significant point raised by Stern during his conversation with Cohen was his hint at wanting a form of "ownership" if he re-signs with SiriusXM. This isn't just about a paycheck; it speaks to his deep pride and investment in the company's growth since he joined in 2006.

Stern proudly recounted how he believes SiriusXM only had about 200,000 subscribers when he first made the leap from terrestrial radio, facing fierce competition from XM before their merger. He emphasized his role in helping transform it into a "robust company that is broadcasting," featuring diverse voices, various genres of music, and platforms like Radio Andy. "And if I do end up staying with this company, I'm going to take ownership of that," he declared, underlining his legacy.

While Stern already owns the extensive archives of "The Howard Stern Show," his desire for further "ownership" in the company, where he currently holds stock, suggests a deeper alignment and strategic stake in SiriusXM's future. This could mean various things, from increased equity to a more involved role in content strategy, reflecting his undeniable impact on the brand's identity and listener base.

SiriusXM's Confident Stance Amidst High-Stakes Negotiations

On the corporate side, SiriusXM remains optimistic about reaching an agreement with its star talent. SiriusXM CEO Jennifer Witz, speaking to The Hollywood Reporter on Monday, October 6, 2025, expressed confidence that the company and Stern will "get to the right place."

"It's really about what does Howard want? What do we want? What do our listeners want? And I think something will come together," Witz explained. Her comments highlight a mutual interest in finding common ground that benefits all parties involved, especially the millions of loyal subscribers who tune in for "The Howard Stern Show."

SiriusXM's Evolving Content Strategy Beyond Its Iconic Star

While Howard Stern remains a "core" part of SiriusXM, the company is also actively building out its "next generation of talent" and diversifying its content portfolio. This strategic expansion aims to ensure long-term growth and appeal to a broader demographic, even as negotiations with Stern continue.

SiriusXM positions itself as a talent-friendly destination, offering creators the platform and creative freedom to build their brands. Scott Greenstein, president and chief content officer at SiriusXM, summarized this approach, stating, "We take rising voices, try to make them stars, and then we give stars the platform to build their own empire." This strategy helps mitigate potential risks associated with any single talent, no matter how iconic.

New Voices and Podcasting's Ascendance

The company's investment in new talent is evident in its robust podcasting network. SiriusXM boasts deals with half of Edison Research's top 20 podcasts, leveraging this booming sector to drive ad revenue and attract younger audiences. Alex Cooper, host of the hugely popular "Call Her Daddy" podcast and head of the Unwell podcast network, is a prime example.

Cooper highlighted her network's strength, confidently stating, "We own Gen Z women." Her ability to connect with a young listener base is particularly appealing to advertisers and crucial for shifting SiriusXM's overall demographic. Other notable talents contributing to this new wave include Conan O'Brien, Stephen A. Smith, and Trevor Noah, all of whom benefit from the creative freedom offered by the platform.

Andy Cohen, who recently re-signed with SiriusXM, also praised the company for its commitment to "free expression and on creativity," allowing him to "do whatever I want to do." This environment is a major draw for creators looking to innovate without typical media constraints.

Howard Stern Addresses "Too Woke" Rumors and His Show's Evolution

Amidst the contract talks, Howard Stern also took the opportunity in his interview with Andy Cohen to address and dismiss rumors that he had been taken off the air for being "too woke." Stern clarified that he was simply on vacation when these unfounded reports began circulating.

With his characteristic frankness, he quipped, "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 response puts to rest any speculation about his content being censored or restricted by SiriusXM, reinforcing the platform's commitment to creator freedom.

Stern also reflected on the significant evolution of "The Howard Stern Show" over his decades-long career. Now 71, he acknowledges that the show "has to constantly change and evolve" and cannot remain what it was when he was in his 20s or 30s. He recalled his early days, focused on "breaking down every taboo," bringing on porn stars, and discussing topics like religion, sexuality, and drug use that were deemed forbidden.

He described his younger self as an "angry guy" who didn't consider the consequences of his words. This self-awareness shows how Stern's personal growth has shaped his show, moving it beyond mere shock value to deep, long-form discussions with iconic figures from entertainment, comedy, and music. This continuous evolution is key to his enduring appeal and his perceived value to SiriusXM.

SiriusXM's Strategic Outlook on Subscriber Base and Future Growth

While the focus is often on high-profile talent, SiriusXM's core business relies on its subscriber base. The company's subscriber numbers have seen a slow churn, landing just under 33 million over the past several years. Stabilizing this base and fostering new growth are key priorities for CEO Jennifer Witz.

Witz noted that the "car is still core" to SiriusXM's satellite business, indicating that in-car listening remains a foundational element. However, the company sees significant opportunities to expand its reach. This includes converting listeners engaging in free trials to full subscribers and learning more about their listening habits to tailor offerings effectively.

Scott Greenstein previously floated the idea of converting popular podcaster listeners into subscribers, showing a strategic cross-platform approach. Alex Cooper's music channel on Sirius, geared towards a younger audience, is already performing well, offering a pathway to subscription for a demographic historically harder to capture for satellite radio. The goal is to stabilize the subscriber base first, then pursue growth in both satellite and digital spheres, targeting the 35-50 age bracket as a significant untapped opportunity.

Key Moments in Howard Stern's SiriusXM Tenure

Date/Period	Event/Development
2006	Howard Stern joins Sirius Satellite Radio, launching "The Howard Stern Show" on Howard 100 and Howard 101.
August 2025	Reports surface that SiriusXM and Stern are unlikely to reach a contract extension.
September 2025	Stern makes a "high-profile return," stating he's "very happy" and will be extending his deal, amidst cancellation rumors.
October 6, 2025 (Monday)	SiriusXM CEO Jennifer Witz tells The Hollywood Reporter she believes they will "get to the right place" on a new deal.
October 10, 2025 (Friday)	Stern reveals to Andy Cohen that no official extension is in place and hints at seeking "ownership."
End of 2025	Howard Stern's current five-year contract, reportedly worth $100 million annually, is set to expire.

The Impact of Howard Stern's Decision on SiriusXM's Future Content Landscape

Howard Stern's eventual decision will undoubtedly send ripples through the media industry. His tenure at SiriusXM has been transformative, attracting millions of subscribers and legitimizing satellite radio as a major player in audio entertainment. His current contract, reportedly worth $100 million annually, reflects his immense value and unique position.

Should he decide to stay, his pursuit of "ownership" could set a new precedent for high-profile talent, granting creators a deeper stake in the platforms they help build. If he departs, however, it would accelerate SiriusXM's efforts to pivot towards its new generation of talent and rapidly expanding podcasting empire, testing its ability to retain and attract subscribers in a post-Stern era.

Regardless of the outcome, these negotiations highlight the shifting dynamics of media consumption and the ongoing battle for listener attention. SiriusXM is clearly working to future-proof its business by fostering diverse voices and embracing new formats, ensuring its relevance whether "The Howard Stern Show" continues or not. Fans will be eagerly awaiting the official announcement, which promises to be a significant moment in the evolving world of audio entertainment.