Howard Stern future at SiriusXM uncertain as Jason Whitlock and Donald Trump criticize shock jock's direction
Stern, 71, has hosted The Howard Stern Show on SiriusXM since 2006. His current five-year, $500 million contract is reportedly set to expire at the end of the year. According to the Daily Mail, Stern is in 'very serious negotiations' with the satellite radio company, with insiders suggesting he may consider a shorter one- or two-year extension—if financial terms can be met.
Whitlock, once a fan of Stern's politically incorrect approach, blamed the host's pivot to progressive politics for losing his authenticity. 'He was politically incorrect, a shock jock and the best at that,' Whitlock said. 'And then, this guy pivoted into this woke clown.' He argued that cultural changes driven by the return of Donald Trump made Stern's brand of broadcasting less viable.
Former President Trump also commented on Stern's future this week. Speaking from the Oval Office, Trump told reporters: 'What happened, he got terminated? When he endorsed Hillary Clinton, he lost his audience.' Trump, who frequently appeared on Stern's show in the past, claimed Stern's downfall began after that 2016 endorsement.
Insiders told Daily Mail that Stern's approximately 95-person staff recently learned of his indecision. While he may step away from daily broadcasting, he is reportedly considering selling his show's catalog for replay on SiriusXM's Howard 100 and 101 channels or returning for specials.
With no official comment from Stern, SiriusXM, or Andy Cohen—whom Stern is said to believe is being favored—the fate of the 'King of All Media' remains up in the air.
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