Howard Stern Tricks Fans and Media With Fake SiriusXM Exit Before Revealing the Truth

Listeners of the Howard Stern Show were shocked on Monday. The broadcast opened with Andy Cohen, not Stern. Cohen joked that the channel was now “Andy 100.”

The prank caused instant confusion. Major outlets, including Associated Press and CNBC, ran stories that Stern had left SiriusXM. Within 20 minutes, Stern went live and called it all a hoax.

Howard Stern Explains the Fake Exit

Stern said he staged the stunt to poke fun at false rumors. He admitted he had missed last week’s show because of illness, not because of contract talks.

“I was annoyed with people asking if I was fired,” Stern said. He laughed at how quickly the media spread the story. According to AP, the prank worked better than expected.

Stern also spoke about his talks with SiriusXM. He said negotiations are normal and ongoing. “SiriusXM and my team have been talking,” Stern confirmed. “They are fantastic.”

Despite rumors of other deals, Stern said he is happy at Sirius. He also mocked claims of jealousy toward Cohen or anger at Alex Cooper. “I don’t know Alex Cooper,” Stern said. “God bless her if she is young and bubbly.”

The Future of the Howard Stern Show

Stern denied reports that SiriusXM dropped him for being “too woke.” He stressed that no such move was ever on the table. “Zero truth,” Stern said.

He admitted that constant retirement rumors have made him rethink his plans. “Now I can’t leave,” Stern joked. “I’ve been thinking about retiring, now I can’t.”

Fans flooded social media after the prank. Many said it proved Stern still knows how to shock and entertain. Industry watchers said the move also put extra attention on his contract talks.

The Howard Stern Show remains one of SiriusXM’s biggest draws. The stunt reminded fans and media of Stern’s unmatched influence in radio.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: Did Howard Stern leave SiriusXM?

No. Stern staged a prank with Andy Cohen. He later confirmed he is still at SiriusXM.

Q2: Why did Andy Cohen open the show?

Cohen helped Stern with the prank. He pretended the channel was rebranded as “Andy 100.”

Q3: What did Stern say about contract talks?

He said talks are ongoing and normal. He stressed he is happy at SiriusXM.

Q4: Did Stern plan to retire?

He said he has thought about it. But rumors now make it harder for him to leave.

Q5: How did the media react to the prank?

Several outlets reported Stern had left. The story was corrected after Stern went live.