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Howard Stern Confused by Fan Backlash Amid Show Changes, Yet Embraces New HBO Max Deal
Howard Stern appears perplexed by the negative reaction from fans following recent adjustments to his long-running radio program. On August 29, SiriusXM announced it would discontinue the Howard 101 channel starting September 1, leaving Howard 100 as the exclusive platform for the 72-year-old radio icon. Shortly after, Stern secured a deal with HBO Max to deliver a condensed weekly version of The Howard Stern Show on the streaming service.
These developments come on the heels of significant staff reductions, with only nine team members remaining as the show transitions to its new format. Despite expressing some regret, Stern reportedly struggles to understand the frustration voiced by loyal listeners over the channel closure, layoffs, and reduction in live broadcasts to one day per week.
A source familiar with the situation shared with The U.S. Sun that Stern “reads everything, EVERYTHING,” and desires to manage how news about his show is presented.
However, the insider described him as “apoplectic” over the backlash to the elimination of Howard 101 and the show’s consolidation. The source also noted Stern’s confusion about why the layoffs have upset both former staff and fans, given his preference to control the narrative around these changes.
Since September 1, SiriusXM listeners have found Andy Cohen’s Radio Andy on the former Howard 101 channel slot. The Howard Stern Show now airs a single live broadcast on Monday mornings, allowing time to edit the program for HBO Max’s weekly Thursday release at midnight.
Reports suggest Stern views the new HBO Max partnership as a way to send a pointed message to SiriusXM and critics, effectively a “middle finger” aimed at those who doubted his future in the media industry. An insider told the Daily Mail, “Howard is in a really good mood with his new HBO deal. He feels that it is a big middle finger to all his critics who either want him done or think that he is done.”
In a statement, Stern expressed enthusiasm about the move: “As the ‘King of All Media,’ I am honored to bring my SiriusXM show to HBO Max, and through HBO Max to worldwide distribution. For years, my SiriusXM show has offered only brief video peeks. HBO convinced me to pull back the curtain and let the world watch; the amazing celebrities and musicians who drop by, our staff antics, and my conversations with Robin.”
Stern called the opportunity to join HBO Max’s esteemed lineup a “career highlight.” His wife, Beth Ostrosky Stern, also spoke positively about the changes, describing them as “win-win.” She noted, “It’s actually great for me, because he’s now going to start only working one day a week – so I get more Howard at home and he’s still connected to the world.”
SiriusXM’s President and Chief Content Officer Scott Greenstein expressed optimism about the new chapter in Stern’s career, highlighting the company’s pride in the partnership with HBO Max. As part of SiriusXM’s channel lineup update, Radio Andy moved to channel 101, Howard 100 remains on channel 100, and Howard 101 was removed.
Howard 101 primarily featured archival Stern content, while Howard 100 continues to air new episodes. Stern remains under contract with SiriusXM, having signed a new three-year deal late last year.
Upon announcing the agreement, he remarked, “I have figured out a way to have it all.” He praised the contract’s flexibility, allowing him more free time while staying on the air, adding, “I do like my days off.
You know me, I’m never bored. I’m busy every minute.”