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| Howard Stern, Just before his interview on the Today Show |
Renowned radio host Howard Stern caused a media frenzy on Monday morning after staging an elaborate prank suggesting he was leaving SiriusXM. The fake announcement was made live on-air by Andy Cohen, host of Bravo’s Watch What Happens Live.
Just ten minutes later, Stern returned to the microphone to reveal it was all a hoax. The stunt comes as speculation over Stern’s future at SiriusXM continues, with his five-year contract from 2020 nearing its end.
Media Outlets Fell for the Fake News
Within minutes of the announcement, major outlets including CNBC, Variety, and the Associated Press ran stories reporting Stern’s alleged departure. The widespread misinformation triggered a temporary drop of nearly 2% in SiriusXM’s stock price before shares stabilized once Stern clarified the truth.
Following the reveal, Stern criticized the media for spreading unverified rumors, saying the prank highlighted the industry’s “carelessness with facts.”
Why Howard Stern Staged the Hoax
Stern explained that the prank was meant to call out false reports and persistent rumors about his contract status at SiriusXM.
“There’s so much bad reporting around my future. I figured I’d give everyone something real to talk about,” Stern joked on air.
He also quipped that after causing so much buzz, “there’s no way I can retire now.”
Behind the Scenes: Contract Talks and Industry Rumors
Stern’s future at SiriusXM has been the subject of intense speculation. While he has delayed an official announcement, he has repeatedly stated he is “very happy at Sirius.”
Adding to the buzz were false rumors of tensions between Stern and podcast star Alex Cooper, who recently signed a major deal with SiriusXM. Stern dismissed those claims as “baseless gossip.”
SiriusXM’s Struggles Put More Pressure on the Network
The prank unfolded against a challenging backdrop for SiriusXM. The company has experienced a nearly 60% stock decline over the past five years and multiple rounds of layoffs, leaving investors sensitive to any news affecting the platform’s top talent.
Stern’s stunt also echoes his historic 2006 move from terrestrial radio to Sirius — a shift that transformed the company’s fortunes and cemented his legacy as a broadcasting disruptor.
What’s Next for Howard Stern and SiriusXM
While Stern has yet to confirm whether he’ll renew his contract or retire, one thing is clear: his influence on SiriusXM’s reputation and valuation remains unmatched. Monday’s prank served as a reminder of his power, not just over his audience, but over the media landscape itself.
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