SiriusXM has removed Howard Stern's Channel 101 from its lineup as part of a broader channel lineup update that began on September 1. The move follows a reduction in new content from the media personality, with Stern scaling back to one new show per week.
Previously, SiriusXM offered two channels dedicated to Howard Stern: Howard 100 for new material and Howard 101 for archival content and classic interviews. Channel 101 has been replaced by Radio Andy, hosted by media rival Andy Cohen, which moves from Channel 102 to 101. Howard 100 remains on its existing channel.
In July, it was reported that Stern was preparing to reduce his new show output to once a week, a change that led to approximately 12 staff layoffs. An insider noted that Stern no longer required the volume of content previously produced. The new schedule, with four days of classic programming, was set to begin in the fall after Stern's summer vacation. Staff members affected by the layoffs were informed via a Zoom call and are eligible for severance payments based on their tenure.
Listeners have expressed disappointment and criticism regarding the reduced schedule and staff downsizing. Some attribute these changes to the departure of former SiriusXM CEO Jim Meyer in 2020 and the passing of Stern's longtime agent Don Buchwald in 2024, suggesting these events accelerated the company's adjustments. One X/Twitter user commented that if the Stern Show were a public company, it would be delisted, while another on Reddit lamented that Stern may have "overstayed his welcome by at least a decade."
These changes come approximately eight months after Stern signed a new three-year contract with SiriusXM in late 2023. At the time of the contract signing, Stern stated the deal offered flexibility and more free time while allowing him to continue broadcasting. His previous five-year contract was reportedly worth $500 million. Stern has been broadcasting from home since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.