You’d think someone who made a career out of delivering shock wouldn’t be so easily shocked himself.
But that’s exactly what happened this week when legendary radio host Howard Stern reportedly found out—from a news alert—that his long-running SiriusXM show was headed for cancellation.
At 71, the man once hailed as the “King of All Media” was blindsided.
Friends and coworkers couldn’t get ahold of him at first, and when he finally picked up, it was only for his longtime buddy Jimmy Kimmel.
His response? Just five stunned words: “First I’m hearing of it.”
The End of an Era—and a Wake-Up Call
Let’s be honest: this news feels like the closing scene of a long, slow farewell.
Stern, who once ruled the airwaves with razor-sharp wit and fearless commentary, hasn’t been that guy for a long time.
Somewhere along the way, the fearless firebrand who poked at celebrities, politicians, televangelists, and his own bosses, got replaced by someone who seemed more tuned out than tapped in.
And the truth is, Howard’s been losing his connection with the average American for years.
Covid, Politics, and Losing the Plot
For many fans, the tipping point was during the COVID pandemic and the Trump years.
In December 2020, Stern inked a massive deal with SiriusXM—reportedly worth $120 million per year for five more years—just as his commentary was starting to alienate the very base that once adored him.
Then came 2024. Two months before the election, Stern got blunt: “I don’t think [Trump] should be anywhere near the White House,” he said on air.
He didn’t stop there: “I hate the people who vote for him… I think they’re stupid. I do.”
That wasn’t just a soundbite—it was a line in the sand. And it cost him.
Losing His Touch While Others Took the Torch
Stern used to be the ultimate outsider, a middle-class kid from Long Island who understood everyday people.
That edge is long gone. Meanwhile, others like Joe Rogan and Theo Von filled the void with content that was cheaper, fresher, and more in touch with younger audiences.
When asked about platforms like YouTube in 2021, Stern seemed completely out of step.
“I don’t know what you could do to get noticed on this YouTube,” he admitted, dismissing rising digital stars as “f***ing bores.” That kind of thinking didn’t age well.
Phoning It In—Literally and Figuratively
Another red flag? Howard’s notorious reluctance to return to his New York City studio after the pandemic.
Instead, he broadcasted from his multimillion-dollar homes—one in the Hamptons, another in Palm Beach—barely showing up in person.
He worked just three days a week, took long breaks, and pulled in over $1 million per show.
Yet somehow, he didn’t see the writing on the wall.
From 9/11 Hero to Pandemic Recluse
This is the same man who famously stayed on-air during the 9/11 attacks, offering real-time, raw reactions that helped New Yorkers process the unthinkable.
But in 2021, Stern’s tone had shifted entirely: “Things will never get back to normal. I do not believe the pandemic will ever be over.”
Fans barely recognized him anymore. The brash, unfiltered voice had become cautious, disconnected, and more about himself than the world around him.
He’s Not the Only One on the Chopping Block
Stern might be the biggest name facing cancellation, but he’s definitely not alone.
According to reports, Stephen Colbert is also seeing his ratings dwindle—and many argue he’s taken The Late Show down with him.
CNN’s Anderson Cooper could be next. Earning a reported $18 million per year, Cooper’s show has been steadily losing viewers, particularly among the all-important 25 to 54-year-old demographic.
Meanwhile, younger, cheaper hosts like Kaitlan Collins are emerging—she earns one-fifth of Cooper’s salary and just bought a summer home on Nantucket, all while colleagues face budget cuts.
Is Gayle King Next?
CBS’s Gayle King may also be nearing the end of her reign.
Despite recently signing a big-money extension—reportedly up to $15 million—there’s buzz she could be gone by next spring.
Her morning show has taken a more serious, “preachy” tone, and insiders say that’s costing her.
Viewership in the same key demo is reportedly down 20 to 30 percent.
And audiences aren’t exactly loving the jet-setting, elite vibe.
Whether she’s bragging about trips to space or rubbing shoulders at Bezos’ wedding, the overall perception is that she’s lost touch with regular viewers.
Stern’s Legacy Is Untouchable—But He Missed His Exit
None of this erases Howard Stern’s impact. He changed radio forever.
No one else has come close to dominating both ratings and culture the way he did.
But the tragedy here is that he didn’t recognize when it was time to bow out gracefully.
The Howard Stern of the past would’ve mocked the Howard Stern of today.
And maybe if he’d spent more time listening—something he once did better than anyone—he might’ve seen this coming.
