So, everyone thought he was finally hanging it up. The rumors were everywhere this past summer—tabloids saying SiriusXM was done with the high price tag, fans complaining he’d gone "woke," and Howard himself sounding, well, exhausted. But if you’ve been looking for Howard Stern news today, the script just flipped in a major way.
He’s staying.
Honestly, the "King of All Media" isn't ready to give up his throne just yet. On December 16, 2025, Howard officially inked a new three-year deal with SiriusXM. It ended months of those "will he or won't he" headaches that usually precede his contract expirations. But this time feels different. It’s not just a carbon copy of his old $500 million mega-deals. It’s a pivot.
The New Deal: 75 is the New 100
Basically, Howard figured out how to have his cake and eat it too. At 71 years old, he admitted on air that he was "totally shut down" over the summer, seriously contemplating walking away. Instead, he negotiated a lighter load.
Under the new terms, he’s cutting back to 75 shows a year. That’s down from the 100-ish he was doing previously.
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It’s a smart play. You’ve got a guy who has been on the air for over 50 years. He’s tired of the grind but clearly addicted to the microphone. By shaving off those 25 days, he gets the "more free time" he kept mentioned on Tuesday's broadcast while keeping his footprint on Howard 100.
While the exact dollar amount hasn't been leaked (yet), you can bet it's still astronomical. SiriusXM knows they need him. Even with the rise of Joe Rogan and Alex Cooper, Howard remains the anchor that keeps a specific, high-paying demographic from hitting "cancel" on their subscriptions.
Who’s Visiting the Bunker Lately?
If you tuned in this week, you saw exactly why he’s still relevant. The guest list for January 2026 has already been heavy.
- Ben Affleck and Matt Damon: They stopped by on January 12 to promote their new Netflix flick, The Rip. It wasn't just a junket interview. Howard got deep into Ben’s struggles with sobriety and his high-profile divorces. Matt Damon even got emotional talking about being there for Ben "for all of it."
- Nikki Glaser: Fresh off hosting the Golden Globes for the second year in a row, she hit the studio on January 13. She did her usual "Stern Files" segment, where she revealed all the brutal jokes about Brad Pitt and Sydney Sweeney that she was too scared to tell on the actual broadcast.
The "Woke" Debate and the Podcast Wars
You can't talk about Howard Stern news today without mentioning the elephant in the room: the critics. If you look at any Howard 101 comment section, it’s a war zone.
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One side says he’s a "sellout" who became exactly what he used to mock—a celebrity sycophant. The other side argues he’s just evolved. Howard addressed this head-on in September, saying that the claims he was "canceled" or "fired" for being "woke" actually motivated him to sign the new deal.
He’s definitely in a weird spot. The media landscape has shifted under his feet. In 2006, he was the only game in town for "uncensored" talk. Now? Every comedian with a $50 microphone has a podcast.
The data shows a bit of a squeeze. His YouTube unique viewers reportedly dipped from 4.5 million to around 3.1 million over the last year. But here’s the thing—YouTube hits aren't SiriusXM subscribers. SiriusXM still boasts around 33 million subscribers, and for a huge chunk of them, the radio doesn't turn on unless Howard is talking.
What’s Happening with Beth and the Cats?
Away from the microphone, the Stern household is as feline-focused as ever. Beth Stern recently shared on her blog that she and Howard have finally created a "contingency plan" for their massive foster operation.
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It sounds a bit morbid, but they’re at that age where they’re thinking about legacy. Beth’s work with North Shore Animal League and "Bianca’s Furry Friends" is basically a full-time job. Howard often jokes about the "stink" and the "chaos" of having dozens of kittens in the house, but he’s clearly the silent benefactor behind the whole thing.
Is This the Final Chapter?
Probably.
Three years takes him to 74. In radio years, that’s ancient. He’s already joking on air, "I hope I don't die during this contract."
But honestly? We’ve heard the retirement talk since 2010. Every time the contract looms, he acts like he’s ready to go paint in the Hamptons forever. And every time, the lure of the "Hey Now" brings him back.
What You Should Do Next
If you're a fan—or a hater who can't stop listening—here is how to stay updated with the new 2026 schedule:
- Check the SiriusXM App: Since he’s only doing 75 shows now, the "dark" weeks are going to be more frequent. Don't get caught expecting a live show on a Monday only to find a repeat of a 2014 Lady Gaga interview.
- Follow the "Stern Files": Nikki Glaser’s recent appearance proves that the best content often happens after big Hollywood events. Keep an eye on the schedule following the Oscars or Grammys.
- Watch the Video Clips: Howard’s team has been leaning much harder into the visual aspect lately. If you don't want to sit through a three-hour broadcast, the SiriusXM YouTube channel usually clips the "headline" moments within 24 hours.
The King isn't dead. He's just working fewer hours. And in 2026, maybe that’s the smartest move he’s ever made.