NEW YORK – Entertainment Desk Today, January 12, 2026, marks a dual milestone for Howard Stern. The legendary broadcaster is celebrating his 72nd birthday, which also coincides with his 50th anniversary on the airwaves—a career that began in 1976 as a junior presenter at WRNW.
Building a Billion-Dollar Legacy
From his "King of All Media" days at K-Rock to his revolutionary move to satellite radio, Stern has turned controversy into a massive financial empire.
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Net Worth: Estimated at a staggering $650 million.
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Career Earnings: Over the past 20 years, Stern has earned more than $1 billion from record-breaking contracts.
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Current Earnings: His latest three-year deal with SiriusXM is worth approximately $90 million per year. Breaking it down, Stern earns roughly $333,000 per episode.
Beyond radio, his fortune is bolstered by best-selling book royalties, film earnings (notably Private Parts), and a high-end real estate portfolio.
Trending: The "Rock is Dead" Controversy
While celebrating his birthday, Stern is also trending due to a viral exchange with Grammy-nominated artist Yungblud.
During a recent interview on The Howard Stern Show, Stern sparked debate by claiming, "I’ve been feeling lately like rock is dead." The 28-year-old artist responded by defending the genre, citing bands like Turnstile and Fontaines D.C. as proof of its survival. The exchange has ignited a global conversation among music fans on social media today.
A Landmark Year in Broadcasting
At 72, Stern remains the most influential figure in radio history. Having successfully navigated the transition from analog to digital, he continues to pull in a loyal audience that spans generations.
While many of his peers have retired, Stern’s $333,000-per-episode paycheck proves that the "Shock Jock" is more relevant—and more valuable—than ever.