Howard Stern: Recent Updates and Career Evolution

Howard Stern, the iconic broadcaster and self-proclaimed “King of All Media,” continues to make waves in the entertainment industry with his SiriusXM radio show, The Howard Stern Show. Known for his provocative humor and candid celebrity interviews, Stern has evolved significantly over the years, balancing his shock-jock roots with a more introspective and polished approach. Below is a comprehensive look at his recent activities, controversies, and personal developments as of August 2025.

Career Developments and SiriusXM Contract

In March 2024, Stern signed a new contract with SiriusXM, extending his tenure with the satellite radio giant through 2027. This deal follows a series of lucrative agreements, including a $500 million contract in 2004 and subsequent renewals in 2010, 2015, and 2020. His show, broadcast on Howard 100 and Howard 101, has been a cornerstone of SiriusXM’s growth, helping the platform amass 33 million subscribers.

However, Stern has reduced his live shows from five to three days a week, supplementing with taped segments sent to syndication partners, reflecting a shift toward a more flexible schedule. A notable live special in Miami in May 2023 marked his first in-person broadcast since the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting his continued draw as a live performer.

Shift in Show Format

Since 2015, The Howard Stern Show has pivoted from its earlier focus on outrageous stunts and Wack Pack antics to in-depth celebrity interviews and personal discussions. Co-host Robin Quivers and executive producer Gary Dell’Abate have played key roles in this transition, with Quivers guiding conversations and Dell’Abate taking on expanded leadership duties.

The Wack Pack, officially named with 40 members in February 2015, now takes a backseat to high-profile guests like Dolly Parton, who appeared on November 15, 2023, and Vice President Kamala Harris, who joined for a live episode in 2024. This shift has drawn criticism from some fans who miss the raw chaos of Stern’s earlier days, with Reddit threads and critics lamenting a perceived loss of edge.

Recent Interviews and Public Appearances

Stern’s show remains a go-to platform for celebrities, with recent guests including Benny Blanco, who discussed his future with Selena Gomez, and Kacey Musgraves, who performed and promoted her album Deeper Well in 2024. Other notable appearances include Jimmy Kimmel, Jimmy Fallon, and Courteney Cox, showcasing Stern’s ability to attract A-list talent.

A special episode taped at Stephen Talkhouse in the Hamptons featured a four-song set by a band making their Stern Show debut, available exclusively on the SiriusXM app. Stern’s interview style, shaped by years of psychotherapy, emphasizes collaboration with guests, moving away from his earlier confrontational approach.

Controversies and Public Statements

Stern’s outspoken nature continues to spark debate. In 2021, he advocated for mandatory COVID-19 vaccinations, a stance that alienated some fans and fueled online backlash. His 1995 comments mocking Selena Quintanilla’s death resurfaced, reigniting criticism and even prompting a Texas arrest warrant.

More recently, Stern faced scrutiny for his interview with Vice President Kamala Harris in 2024, with former President Donald Trump calling him a “beta male” and criticizing the interview as “softball.” Stern responded on his show, expressing disdain for Trump supporters and reportedly urging them to stop listening, a statement that stirred significant online chatter.

Personal Life and Advocacy

On a personal front, Stern and his wife, Beth, celebrated 16 years of marriage in 2024. The couple, who wed in 2008, remain active with North Shore Animal League America, fostering homeless cats since 2014. Stern has openly discussed his health scare in 2017, which underscored his mortality, and credits psychotherapy and transcendental meditation for his personal growth. His 2019 book, Howard Stern Comes Again, reflects this evolution, compiling his favorite interviews and offering insights into his changing perspective.

Fan and Critic Reactions

While Stern’s listener base was estimated at 17.5 million weekly in 1998, recent polls suggest declining engagement on SiriusXM, with some fans joking that the show “feels like a party where half the crowd walked out.” Critics argue that Stern’s shift to “glitzy chats” has dulled his rebellious edge, though his defenders praise his maturity and ability to adapt. Social media platforms like Reddit and X reflect a polarized fanbase, with some nostalgic for his Fartman days and others appreciating the depth of his modern interviews.

Conclusion

Howard Stern remains a polarizing yet enduring figure in media. His recent SiriusXM deal, reduced live schedule, and focus on celebrity interviews signal a deliberate evolution, even as they spark debate among fans. Balancing personal growth with his shock-jock legacy, Stern continues to command attention, whether through high-profile interviews, controversial statements, or his advocacy for animal welfare. As he navigates his latest chapter, Stern’s influence on radio and pop culture remains undeniable, proving he’s still a force to be reckoned with.