Howard Stern, the legendary radio host, recently pulled off a stunt that left both fans and major media outlets scratching their heads. On September 8, 2025, Stern returned from his summer break with a playful prank involving Andy Cohen. During the show, Cohen jokingly announced that Stern had left SiriusXM and that he would be taking over the channel, even renaming it “Andy 100.”
The joke was so convincing that major news outlets, including the Associated Press and CNBC, initially reported it as fact. Stern later revealed it was all a prank, meant to play with the swirling rumors about his future at SiriusXM.
Behind the Scenes: Contract Talks and Industry Shifts
Howard Stern’s existing deal with SiriusXM, said to be valued at $500 million for a five-year term, is scheduled to conclude by the end of 2025.. Negotiations are ongoing, and some sources suggest SiriusXM may not meet Stern’s financial demands, especially given recent high-profile deals in the podcast and radio world.
Additionally, SiriusXM has faced some subscriber losses, and Stern’s YouTube audience has seen a decline, adding another layer of uncertainty about the platform’s future and his role within it.
The Official Word
Despite all the speculation and the elaborate prank, Stern confirmed during his broadcast that his show on SiriusXM has been renewed. He explained that the prank was a fun way to address the rumors and reassure fans that he’s not going anywhere—for now.
While the prank caused a temporary stir, it also highlighted the ongoing conversations about Stern’s future and how he continues to navigate the changing media landscape with his trademark humor and showmanship.
