NEW YORK — Howard Stern, the iconic radio host, has made his return to SiriusXM after a playful prank that had fans speculating about his departure. Stern, 71, who significantly impacted the satellite radio industry with his multimillion-dollar contract nearly two decades ago, kicked off his show on Monday with guest Andy Cohen. Cohen appeared flustered as he introduced Stern, saying, "This was supposed to be a cleaner hand off. I’m kind of winging it."

Stern thanked Cohen for participating in the gag, which followed weeks of promotional teasers hinting at a major announcement. These promos fueled rumors that Stern's show might be canceled, with one video stating, "The tabloids have spoken: Howard Stern fired, canceled. Is it really bye-bye Booey?"

Stern's initial contract with Sirius Satellite Radio Inc. in 2006 made him one of the highest-paid figures in broadcasting. His presence has been a game-changer for both SiriusXM and the broader radio industry. The SiriusXM homepage prominently features tabs for various content, including a dedicated section for Howard Stern.

Despite his success, SiriusXM has faced challenges. The company reported a decline in its subscriber base, with 33 million paid subscribers in the second quarter of 2025, marking a loss of 68,000 from the previous quarter and 100,000 fewer than the same time last year. The company is navigating a saturated satellite market and competition from free platforms like Spotify.

Stern has renewed his contract with SiriusXM twice, first in 2010 and again in 2020, with a five-year deal worth $500 million. He has recently engaged in candid conversations with high-profile guests, including Lady Gaga and Bruce Springsteen. SiriusXM president Scott Greenstein noted, "He’s been with me and the company going on two decades, and so he’s pretty happy, but he’s also able, like many great artists, to stop whenever he wants. Nobody will ever replace them. We would never try to replace them."

Stern, often referred to as the King of All Media, gained national fame in the 1980s during his tenure at WXRK in New York. At its peak, "The Howard Stern Show" was broadcast in 60 markets and attracted over 20 million listeners. His move to satellite radio was motivated by the promise of a lucrative salary and fewer restrictions after facing indecency battles with the Federal Communications Commission.

Throughout his career, Stern has been known for his provocative on-air antics, including featuring strippers in his studio and encouraging the band The Dixie Chicks to share personal stories. His 1997 film, "Private Parts," was a box office success, providing a humorous glimpse into his rise to fame. Additionally, he has authored several bestselling books and served as a judge on "America’s Got Talent" from 2012 to 2015.