Howard has been on vintage form during the pandemic, with news-making interviews with stars such as Tom Brady, Katy Perry and Governor Andrew Cuomo. He’s still at the top of his game,” a SiriusXM source told Page Six. “Every time Howard’s contract is up, there’s rumors about him retiring or moving to a rival like Spotify, and most often this is a way to get him an even bigger deal.”
Howard’s former sidekick Steve Grillo, however, is striking a different tone, claiming the end is near for the radio host.
“I’ve heard Howard’s pretty much done,” Steve said recently on his “AftershockXL” show.
Following the comments, the SiriusXM source said Steve isn’t in the know and is simply using Howard’s name for publicity.
The notion of Howard reupping his contract with SiriusXM seems to be gaining momentum. During an earnings call this week, SiriusXM CEO Jim Meyer said the satellite radio giant was engaged in contract talks with “The King of All Media.”
“Howard is very happy with what he’s doing. It matters when Howard is happy. His show is better, and he’s more relaxed. I’ve been clear: I want Howard Stern to work at SiriusXM for as long as Howard Stern wants to work,” the CEO said. “I know what Howard wants. And we’re trying to figure out a way to make all those things work together. I don’t want to be overly optimistic here, but I want Howard here… We’ll keep working and we’ll get there, I hope. At the end of the day, it will come down to what Howard wants to do.”
The ball is in Howard Stern’s court.
