Those expecting to hear about the future of Howard Stern at SiriusXM will have to wait a few more days.
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Last week, promos began to run hyping the self-proclaimed King of All Media's return from summer break. These promos referenced ongoing drama about whether Stern would return to the satellite radio airwaves this season.
"The tabloids have spoken: Howard Stern fired, canceled, is it really 'Bye-Bye Booey'? Chaos is swirling at The Howard Stern Show," the ads stated. "Did staffers talk to the press? Are writers withholding their best jokes? Nobody knows what's going on or who to trust.
"Now we can reveal all the questions will be answered, all the truths will be told by the one man truly on the inside. Howard Stern will speak: Tuesday, Sep. 2."
Now Stern's return and any announcements are expected on Sep. 8, nearly a week later than previously promoted.
Is Howard Stern Getting Fired?
Last month, the New York Post reported that Stern's $500 million, five-year contract, which expires at the end of 2025, would not be renewed.
Sources also indicate that Stern delayed his return due to frustration with the new contract. He reportedly informed his 95 employees of this decision in an unexpected email on Labor Day evening.
However, The Hollywood Reporter says that Stern's exit seems unlikely, as the satellite radio service has been underperforming and the radio host is its most visible asset. Listeners of The Howard Stern Show have dropped significantly, and the company could be asking the host to significantly lower his asking price.
Stern Has Also Been Dealing With Family Issues
The New York Post also reports that Stern has been working through health issues surrounding his 97-year-old mother. He has said on his show that her condition has caused him some heartache.
"It rips my heart out. I don't want my mom to be uncomfortable. I just want to fix her," he said. "I'm so tired and exhausted. Think of five other words for exhausted and tired, and that's what I am. I'm so depressed. I mentioned this on the air yesterday that my mom's not doing well. She's just in a lot of pain, you know? Physical pain."
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