Howard Stern Fighting to Save His Empire as Shock Jock Struggles to Finalize Deal with SiriusXM

Howard Stern is in the fight of his career as his jaw-dropping $500 million SiriusXM contract ticks down to its final days — and insiders say the satellite giant is ready to show the 71-year-old shock jock the door.

The legendary host, who has ruled the airwaves for decades, is struggling to nail down a fresh deal. If talks collapse, Stern reportedly plans to spin his exit as a personal choice, telling fans he’s stepping away to spend time with his 97-year-old mother, Ray Schiffman Stern.

But behind the scenes, sources claim SiriusXM is hungry to replace him with younger, buzzy talent like Call Her Daddy’s Alex Cooper, 31, and sports firebrand Stephen A. Smith, 57.

“He’s bleeding listeners — and SiriusXM knows it,” one insider spilled. “Alex Cooper is the future. Advertisers love her, and she’s already locked in a $125 million contract. Stephen A. is another powerhouse they’re banking on.”

Stern’s rocky road with the network became more obvious this summer when he shocked fans — and his 95 staffers — by delaying his return from vacation. The move, insiders say, was part power play, part desperation to prove he doesn’t “need” SiriusXM as much as they think he does.

Meanwhile, Smith just inked a multiyear deal for his daily Mad Dog Sports Radio show, with SiriusXM boss Scott Greenstein calling him “a singular talent and one of the most influential voices in media today.”

For Stern, the timing couldn’t be worse. He’s been open about personal struggles — the loss of his 99-year-old father Ben in 2022, clashes with wife Beth Ostrosky during the pandemic, and his mom’s ongoing health issues.

But the harsh reality? SiriusXM insiders say the network is ready to move on. “They want Alex and Stephen A. carrying the brand into the next decade,” one source said bluntly. “Howard Stern is yesterday’s news.”