Howard Stern Avoids SiriusXM Star Alex Cooper Amid Contract Uncertainty

Howard Stern, a veteran SiriusXM radio personality, reportedly harbors strong animosity toward Alex Cooper, host of the hugely popular "Call Her Daddy" podcast, which has become one of the network's biggest successes following her $125 million deal in 2024. Insiders reveal that SiriusXM executives deliberately keep the two apart when Cooper visits New York due to Stern's discomfort with Cooper's massive popularity and the shifting podcast landscape, which Stern views as disruptive to traditional radio. Cooper, a 30-year-old podcast star, is seen as emblematic of the new generation changing audio entertainment, alongside figures like Joe Rogan, leaving longtime radio hosts like Stern feeling sidelined. Rumors also suggest Stern's future at SiriusXM is uncertain, as his contract expires and the company is reluctant to meet his financial demands, possibly leading to his show being cut despite his decades-long tenure. Additionally, Stern is reportedly frustrated by the network's promotion of other stars like Andy Cohen, whose interviews receive more focus than Stern's in recent times. Cooper's podcast, known for its candid discussions on relationships and modern womanhood, represents a cultural shift that has unsettled established radio veterans while cementing her status as a leading figure in contemporary podcasting.