Howard Stern exits SiriusXM after two decades as Andy Cohen takes over Channel 100

Howard Stern’s long-running partnership with SiriusXM has come to an end after nearly 20 years, with Andy Cohen set to take over Stern’s flagship Channel 100.

Speculation over Stern’s future at the satellite broadcaster intensified last month, after rumors suggested his contract might not be renewed. Stern leaned into the uncertainty, teasing fans that he would address the issue on the Sept. 2 episode of The Howard Stern Show. That announcement was later delayed until Sept. 8, signaling talks had not been finalized.

Instead, on Monday morning, listeners tuning in to Channel 100 heard Cohen announce that the station would now be rebranded as “Andy 100.” Cohen admitted the transition was unexpected, saying, “I know you’re expecting a big announcement from Howard, and this is not how things were meant to go… I can’t possibly fill his void,” while adding that he believed Stern would soon find a new platform.

Stern, 71, originally signed with Sirius in 2004 ahead of its merger with XM, after years of clashes with the Federal Communications Commission over broadcast content. His show debuted on Sirius in 2006 and quickly became one of the network’s most important properties.

The shock jock’s original contract reportedly carried a $500 million price tag over five years, including stock options. More recent deals were valued between $80 million and $100 million annually, according to Bloomberg. SiriusXM CEO Jennifer Witz said as recently as Sept. 3 that discussions with Stern were still ongoing and that she was “confident we’ll get to the right place.”

Over his four-decade career, Stern has been known for provocative interviews with actors, musicians, athletes, and political figures, alongside longtime collaborators Robin Quivers, Fred Norris, and Gary Dell’Abate.