Howard Stern’s Radio Empire Faces the Axe: Feud with Gutfeld and SiriusXM’s Changing Priorities Signal the End of an Era

In the summer of 2025, a seismic shakeup is looming over the world of radio. The Howard Stern Show, the flagship of SiriusXM and a cultural mainstay for nearly two decades, is reportedly facing cancellation. As Stern’s $100 million-a-year contract approaches expiration this December, sources suggest the satellite radio giant is preparing to part ways with the so-called “King of All Media.” The news, first reported by The U.S. Sun on August 5, has sent shockwaves through the entertainment world and ignited a fierce debate over Stern’s legacy, his political evolution, and his long-running feud with Fox News’ Greg Gutfeld.

From Shock Jock to Broadcast Legend

Howard Stern’s rise from college radio to media royalty is legendary. Launching his career at Boston University, Stern developed a no-holds-barred broadcasting style that earned him national syndication in the 1980s and 1990s. His provocative stunts and blunt interviews attracted millions—and drew millions in fines from the FCC. By 1997, Stern’s autobiography and film, Private Parts, had cemented him as a cultural icon.

In 2006, Stern made a pivotal move to SiriusXM, signing a $500 million deal that gave him unprecedented creative freedom away from terrestrial radio regulations. Over the next 20 years, he transformed his brand from shock-jock antics to deep, reflective celebrity interviews, speaking with guests like Lady Gaga, Bruce Springsteen, and, most recently, President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris.

But that shift hasn’t come without cost. While some applauded his maturity, others—especially longtime fans—accused Stern of losing his edge.

Gutfeld vs. Stern: A Cultural Showdown

The growing tension between Stern and conservative firebrand Greg Gutfeld reflects a broader cultural and political divide. Gutfeld, host of Fox News’ late-night hit Gutfeld!, has made Stern a frequent target, especially after Stern’s interview with Harris in October 2024. Days later, Gutfeld slammed Stern as a “sycophant” and “the person he used to hate,” claiming Stern’s current liberal persona is a betrayal of his rebellious roots.

The feud escalated in September 2024, when Donald Trump appeared on Gutfeld! and mocked Stern’s declining influence, claiming he “went woke and went broke.” Gutfeld agreed, accusing Stern of abandoning the very audience that made him famous. Clips from a controversial 1993 Stern sketch resurfaced, with critics using them to label him a hypocrite.

Conservative outlets including BroBible and The Daily Fetched amplified the attacks, framing Stern’s political shift as a cautionary tale for aging entertainers navigating America’s cultural divide.

Why SiriusXM Might Walk Away

At the heart of the rumored cancellation is money. Stern’s current deal, estimated between $80 and $100 million annually, includes production costs for a staff of nearly 100. As SiriusXM faces stagnant subscriber growth (reported at 33.4 million in Q2 2025), insiders say the company sees Stern’s contract as financially unsustainable.

A source told The U.S. Sun, “Sirius and Stern are never going to meet on the money he is going to want. It’s no longer worth the investment.”

SiriusXM is reportedly interested in retaining Stern’s extensive audio archive—secured through 2027—but may offer only a limited or reduced deal for live broadcasts, betting instead on younger voices like Call Her Daddy’s Alex Cooper and The Late Late Show’s James Corden.

Some also point to politics as a factor. Stern’s criticism of Trump voters and embrace of “woke” ideals has alienated conservatives, mirroring CBS’s decision earlier this year to cancel The Late Show with Stephen Colbert in the wake of political backlash. Whether driven by finances, politics, or both, the writing appears to be on the wall.

Stern’s Response and a Surprise Broadcast

While Stern has not publicly addressed the reports, he briefly broke his summer hiatus on August 6 with a surprise appearance alongside Metallica’s Lars Ulrich to promote Maximum Metallica, a new SiriusXM channel. “We will be back on the air, live,” Stern said, announcing a post–Labor Day return.

According to The Daily Mail, Stern discovered the cancellation rumors via a Google alert and later discussed the matter privately with Jimmy Kimmel. Sources suggest he’s considering a one- or two-year deal to protect his staff and give his team time to transition.

The Changing Media Landscape

Stern’s uncertain future is emblematic of broader challenges in the radio and streaming industry. Once a pioneer in satellite radio, SiriusXM now finds itself competing with Spotify, YouTube, and the podcast boom. With content consumption habits shifting toward shorter, algorithm-driven formats, long-form audio shows like Stern’s face increasing pressure.

While a 2020 report estimated that 15% of SiriusXM subscribers could leave if Stern exited, the company appears focused on long-term sustainability. Recent investments in figures like Conan O’Brien and Andy Cohen reflect a pivot to more cost-effective, scalable programming.

As SiriusXM President Scott Greenstein put it, “Nobody will ever replace [Stern],” but the company is clearly building for a future without him.

Legacy, Loyalty, and the Road Ahead

At 71, Stern has little left to prove. With a net worth of $650 million, he could retire comfortably. In past years, he’s spoken about radio’s impact on his health, calling the job “exhausting.” Still, his fanbase—though divided—is loyal. Some mourn the loss of the shock jock they grew up with; others appreciate the evolved interviewer Stern has become.

For now, Stern appears to be weighing his options. Whether he stays on SiriusXM with a scaled-down deal, moves to an independent platform, or quietly retires, his impact on media is undeniable. He paved the way for uncensored radio, pioneered subscription-based audio, and redefined celebrity interviews.

His clash with Gutfeld, while headline-worthy, is only part of the story. The bigger picture is about generational change, shifting media values, and how legacy talent adapts—or doesn’t—to a rapidly evolving industry.

A Turning Point for Audio Entertainment

If Stern walks away, it won’t just be the end of The Howard Stern Show. It will signal the close of a chapter in American media history. The battle between old guard and new, between shock and sincerity, is playing out in real time. And as Stern stands at the crossroads, fans and critics alike are watching closely.

One thing is certain: no matter what comes next, Howard Stern’s voice—whether on airwaves or in archives—will echo for years to come.