After approximately two decades on SiriusXM, _The Howard Stern Show_ might be drawing to a close. As per recent reports, the satellite radio firm is not planning to extend Stern’s contract once it concludes towards the end of this year.
Stepping down for Stern might not solely be a financial decision; rather, it’s a matter of staying relevant. Initially known as the voice of the working-class outsider, Stern lost much of his original fanbase by adopting mainstream politics and associating with Hollywood’s elite. This shift focused more on agendas instead of delivering quality content.
His unwavering endorsement of Hillary Clinton, criticism towards Trump supporters, transition to more sanitized interviews and politically correct remarks have caused a divide among his original audience. For several loyal followers, this radio personality transformed into the sellout figure he previously ridiculed, relinquishing the cultural influence that once rendered him invincible.
What happened? SiriusXM Ready To Move On
Reports indicate to The Sun that SiriusXM might propose a deal to keep Stern’s archived content, but there are no plans for the continuation of the show.
I’ve been keenly following the news about Stern, and though Sirius XM might be extending a proposal come fall, their intention isn’t for him to accept it.
It’s unlikely that Sirius will ever come across the amount Stern desires. At this point, it seems the investment isn’t beneficial anymore.
It’s been suggested that Stern’s political views might have created tension among both listeners and those in executive positions due to differences in opinion.
“It’s more likely everything to do with the political climate.”
Trump Responds: “He Went Down When He Endorsed Hillary”
During a recent press conference, Donald Trump was directly questioned about Howard Stern and responded candidly, as reported by The Daily Mail.
I’m not familiar with the name Howard Stern lately – we used to enjoy working together on his show. So, I wonder if something has changed? Could it be that he was let go?
Trump then pointed to a turning point in Stern’s career:
His endorsement of Hillary Clinton marked a significant drop in his popularity among the public, with many expressing their disapproval by saying they needed a break from him.
Stern has also hosted Vice President Kamala Harris on his show, drawing criticism from Republicans.
Stern Says He’ll Be Back—But Avoids the Topic
Despite not explicitly commenting on The Sun’s article regarding his status at SiriusXM, Stern hinted during Wednesday’s unexpected broadcast that he hasn’t left the company just yet. According to The Daily Beast:
Rest assured, we’ll return shortly. You’ll hear us again, live and in action. I’ve just taken a break to recharge, if you will.
Additionally, he emphasized to his audience that he takes a break every summer and intends to come back post-Labor Day.
As reported by the Daily Mail, Stern was made aware of the report via a Google alert, and later discussed it in a confidential conversation with Jimmy Kimmel. The shocking episode apparently occurred post a team-building gathering in New York among the staff.
How Stern Alienated His Audience and Sold Out
As a devoted film enthusiast myself, I can’t help but echo the sentiments of critics like Chris Gore and Nerdrotic. They were once passionate fans, just like me, but now they’re expressing their disappointment over Stern’s transformation. They argue that his move towards mainstream politics and celebrity-centric approach may have contributed significantly to his decline.
Chris Gore (Film Threat):
Initially, Howard Stern championed the cause of the working class, resonating well with his listeners. However, over time, he transitioned into being a part of the established system.
Previously, he used to tell offensive blackface jokes on his local comedy show in New York, often making fun of gay and transgender individuals. However, his current persona is vastly different. He has embraced mainstream culture, but the impact of COVID-19 seems to have had a significant influence on him.
According to Gore, he once paid for some explicit comedy specials such as “Butt Bongo Fiesta” and “New Year’s Rotten Eve,” but the modern version of Stern wouldn’t produce content like that today.
Over time, due to increased fame and larger booking opportunities, he underwent significant changes. However, post the COVID-19 outbreak, I found myself unable to keep up with these transformations. I struggled to connect with him, and it seems that many others have as well, for he no longer resonates with his previous audience.
Gary Buechler (Nerdrotic):
For over a decade, a video surfaced showing him conducting a staff meeting in a manner that suggested he was no longer interested in comedy skits. Later, it became clear that he aimed to attract prominent guests and even created fictitious Twitter accounts. However, his deception was uncovered as well.
He largely delegated responsibilities to his second wife, Beth Ostrosky. She took charge, aimed to make it more accessible to a broader audience, and inadvertently influenced him significantly.”
This version aims to maintain the original meaning while using less confrontational and more polite language.
Buechler reminisced about the time when “Star Wars: Empire Strikes Back” overshadowed “Private Parts” at cinemas, prompting Stern to lash out against George Lucas and Star Wars enthusiasts due to resentment.
For the first time, I truly lost my temper with him. I found myself saying something like, ‘How could you do this, man?’ It seems he was eager to be part of the elite circle. I can’t fathom how someone could so easily change their ways after what happened. He was compensated for his actions and has enough wealth to retire comfortably. Yet, he still chose to act in such a way. After all, he already had a place among the elite.
But it appears that he prioritized gaining acceptance from celebrities over supporting ordinary workers. In reality, those people who claimed to support you never really cared about you.
The End of the Shock Jock Era?
In the 80s and 90s, Stern gained notoriety for challenging norms and criticizing authority. However, following years on-air and a change in approach, it appears that his program is no longer considered a valuable asset by SiriusXM, according to recent reports.
The dramatic shift in his behavior, from playful antics with strippers to cultivating relationships with politicians and celebrities, has led many of his previous supporters to view this transformation as a disappointing departure from his original character or values.
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2025-08-07 19:38