Photo Credit: SiriusXM
Howard Stern’s second channel, Howard 101, is leaving the SiriusXM lineup after 20 years and major layoffs—further evidence that Stern is scaling back his programming.
SiriusXM has removed Howard Stern’s second channel, Howard 101, from its satellite radio lineup in a blog post that the company likely hopes went unnoticed. The move follows major layoffs at the company and further suggests that Stern will scale back his schedule and programming as he returns from summer vacation.
“SiriusXM is updating its channel lineup beginning September 1, with new channel numbers for a variety of sports, entertainment, comedy, news, talk, and music channels,” the announcement reads. “Among the most notable changes, Radio Andy moves from Ch. 102 to Ch. 101, while Howard 100 remains on Ch. 100 and Howard 101 leaves the lineup.”
Originally featuring programs selected by Stern himself, Howard 101 became an outlet for Stern archives and supplemental programming across his extensive talk radio career. Stern, now 72, has been hosting his radio show for decades. In 2004, he signed a massive five-year, half-a-million-dollar contract with then-Sirius Satellite Radio, transitioning him away from traditional FM radio. Two years later, his show launched on Sirius channels Howard 100 and Howard 101.
The change follows multiple rounds of layoffs affecting around 50 employees associated with “The Howard Stern Show” and its channels, many of whom reportedly worked on Howard 101. Fans have speculated what the future holds for Stern’s long-term role at SiriusXM. He signed a new three-year contract with the company late last year, which runs through 2028.
Howard Stern is also reportedly reducing his live schedule from two days a week to just one. Fewer hours in the studio means less need for a dedicated second channel, and now Howard 100 will carry programming across archived shows, interviews, and clips.
“I am happy to announce that I have figured out a way to have it all,” Stern shared with listeners in December, when he signed his new contract. “More free time, and continuing to be on the radio.”
Andy Cohen, who takes over Channel 101, hosted Stern’s show for him last summer when he was originally supposed to return in September. At the time, that fueled speculation that Stern was leaving altogether, since negotiations with SiriusXM were reportedly not going well and the two parties had not yet settled on a new deal.
“Lest anyone think that was real, that was all masterminded by me,” Stern clarified.
However, now that Cohen is taking over Stern’s second channel, the whole thing seems to have come full circle. Fortunately for Stern’s dedicated fans, he isn’t yet ready to throw in the towel.
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