Howard Stern Delays SiriusXM Return Amid Contract Talks and Family Concerns

Howard Stern has postponed his much-anticipated return to SiriusXM, informing his staff that he will not resume broadcasting on Tuesday as previously teased. The 71-year-old radio icon cited ongoing contract negotiations and personal family matters as the reasons for the delay.

In an email to his 95-person team on Labor Day, Stern conveyed that despite hints of a post-summer comeback, he would remain off the air for the time being. Insiders describe the message as “out of the blue” yet carefully worded to prevent unnecessary alarm among employees.

Stern’s current five-year, $500 million agreement with SiriusXM is set to expire at the end of 2025. Sources close to the negotiations suggest that Stern’s growing frustration over the renewal talks played a major role in his decision to hold off on returning. Industry analysts note that negotiations of this scale often involve protracted discussions over financial terms, creative control, and future programming commitments.

Compounding the professional uncertainty are Stern’s personal concerns. His mother, Ray Schiffman Stern, will turn 98 in October and has been grappling with chronic pain-an issue Stern has previously discussed on air as “heartbreaking.” According to insiders, he has been dedicating significant attention to her care, which has diverted his focus from contract matters and on-air commitments.

Speculation around Stern’s future intensified in August after he released a teaser promising to “reveal all” on September 2, fueling rumors about retirement, cancellation, or a blockbuster renewal deal. Former staffer Steve Grillo dismissed the buildup as a publicity stunt, while critics pointed to a steep decline in Stern’s audience compared to his peak years. At its height, “The Howard Stern Show” drew 20 million weekly listeners; current estimates place his SiriusXM audience at around 125,000.

SiriusXM president and chief content officer Scott Greenstein has maintained that Stern will dictate his own exit timeline, stating, “Like many great artists, he’s able to stop whenever he wants.” For now, both the network and its marquee host appear to be in a holding pattern, awaiting the outcome of high-stakes contract discussions and the resolution of personal priorities before making any definitive announcements.