Howard Stern Wikipedia: Age, Wife, Family, Career and Net Worth

Howard Stern is an American broadcaster, comedian, author and media personality best known for The Howard Stern Show. His career has stretched across terrestrial radio, satellite radio, television, publishing and film, making him one of the most recognizable figures in American broadcasting.

Stern became nationally famous through his unconventional morning radio program, which eventually expanded into hundreds of markets across the United States. In 2006, he moved the show to SiriusXM, where he has continued broadcasting for more than two decades.

In 2026, Stern remains active on SiriusXM. His show has also expanded into video streaming through HBO Max, giving audiences a new way to watch selected episodes rather than only listening to the radio program. ([SiriusXM](https://www.siriusxm.com/))

Latest Update: September 30, 2026

As of September 30, 2026, Howard Stern remains under contract with SiriusXM through 2028. In December 2025, Stern announced a new three-year agreement that allows him to continue The Howard Stern Show while working on a more flexible schedule. SiriusXM said the arrangement would continue his exclusive live show and access to his extensive archive.

A major development in 2026 was the expansion of The Howard Stern Show into video. SiriusXM announced in August that the new season would begin September 14, with live Monday episodes on SiriusXM followed by adapted video versions on HBO Max on Thursdays. The first HBO Max episode was scheduled for September 17.

Stern returned to live broadcasting on September 14 after his summer break. SiriusXM reported that he and longtime co-host Robin Quivers discussed the summer, entertainment news, his HBO Max deal and other topics during the return episode.

Who Is Howard Stern?

Howard Allan Stern was born on January 12, 1954, in Queens, New York City. He became interested in radio while studying at Boston University and eventually turned broadcasting into a career that would last for more than five decades. ([Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Howard_Stern))

Stern is widely associated with the term “shock jock,” a label connected to the provocative style he developed during his terrestrial radio years. His programs frequently combined comedy, interviews, personal stories, celebrity discussions and controversial subject matter.

His career changed substantially after his move from traditional broadcast radio to SiriusXM. The satellite-radio platform allowed Stern to operate under different content rules and gave him a large archive-based business in addition to his live programs.

Howard Stern Age

Howard Stern was born January 12, 1954. As of September 30, 2026, he is 72 years old.

He was born in Queens and grew up in New York and Long Island. His parents were Ben Stern and Ray Stern. His father worked as an audio engineer and later became involved with a recording studio, which gave Stern an early connection to the technical side of broadcasting.

Early Life and Education

Stern grew up in a Jewish family and attended Roosevelt Junior-Senior High School in Long Island. He later attended Boston University, where he studied communications and developed an interest in radio.

While at Boston University, Stern worked at the university’s radio station. His early broadcasting experiences helped him develop the conversational and improvisational approach that later became central to his professional style.

After college, Stern began working professionally in radio. His early jobs included positions at WRNW in New York, WCCC in Hartford, WWWW in Detroit and WWDC in Washington, D.C. These stations gave him experience with different audiences and markets before he returned to New York.

Beginning of Radio Career

Stern joined WNBC in New York in 1982. The job gave him access to one of the country’s largest radio markets, but his relationship with the station was difficult. He was dismissed in 1985.

After leaving WNBC, Stern joined WXRK, also known as K-Rock, in New York. His morning program eventually became one of the most recognizable radio shows in the country.

In 1986, The Howard Stern Show began national syndication. At its peak, the program was carried in dozens of markets and reached millions of listeners. This period established Stern as a national media personality rather than simply a successful New York radio host.

The Howard Stern Show

The format of The Howard Stern Show combined interviews, comedy, discussions with staff members, audience calls and Stern’s commentary on popular culture. Longtime members of his on-air team included Robin Quivers, Fred Norris and Gary Dell’Abate.

The program became known for interviews that were considerably longer than traditional radio interviews. Stern often allowed guests to discuss personal experiences, careers, relationships and controversies at length.

Over the years, his guests have included actors, musicians, comedians, athletes, politicians and other public figures. His interviewing style later became one of the most important parts of his SiriusXM career.

Move to SiriusXM

In 2004, Stern announced a landmark agreement with Sirius, which was then developing its satellite-radio business. His terrestrial radio contract ended in 2005, and he began broadcasting on Sirius in January 2006.

The move allowed Stern to continue his program outside the traditional commercial-radio system. He eventually operated two major SiriusXM channels, Howard 100 and Howard 101, featuring new programs, archived shows and related content.

SiriusXM describes Stern’s programming as including live performances, celebrity interviews and classic moments from his extensive radio archive.

Howard Stern and SiriusXM in 2026

Stern’s relationship with SiriusXM remains one of the longest-running partnerships in satellite radio. In December 2025, he announced that he had agreed to continue for another three years. He explained that the new arrangement would provide more free time while allowing him to remain on the radio.

The new agreement became especially important in 2026 because the show expanded beyond audio. SiriusXM announced that cameras would record the live studio program, with an edited and adapted version made available to HBO Max subscribers.

The arrangement means that Stern’s long-running radio program now has a regular video component. It also gives international audiences access to a version of the show through HBO Max.

Howard Stern HBO Max Deal

In August 2026, SiriusXM announced its partnership with HBO Max for a weekly video version of The Howard Stern Show. The arrangement does not replace SiriusXM’s live broadcast. Instead, Stern’s Monday SiriusXM show is adapted for streaming later in the week.

SiriusXM said the video production uses 40 cameras to capture the studio conversation and create a version suitable for streaming. The company described the deal as a new chapter for a program that had primarily been an audio experience for much of its history.

The move also follows Stern’s long relationship with HBO. His 2022 interview with Bruce Springsteen was previously presented as a major television event and became one of his most discussed long-form interviews.

Howard Stern Television Career

Stern’s television career has included several different projects. One of his most visible roles outside radio came from America’s Got Talent, where he served as a judge from 2012 through 2015.

He joined the NBC talent competition after replacing Piers Morgan and appeared alongside fellow judges including Sharon Osbourne and Howie Mandel during different periods of the program.

The television role introduced Stern to a much broader general-audience format than his radio program. However, his primary professional identity remained connected to radio and long-form interviewing.

Howard Stern as an Author

Stern has also had a successful career as an author. His first major book, Private Parts, was published in 1993 and became a bestseller. The book combined autobiography, personal stories and material from his radio career.

It was followed by Miss America in 1995. In 2019, Stern published Howard Stern Comes Again, a large collection of interviews and reflections from his broadcasting career.

His books helped turn his radio persona into a broader publishing brand and gave readers access to material that extended beyond his daily broadcasts.

Private Parts Movie

Stern’s autobiography Private Parts was adapted into a feature film released in 1997. Stern played himself, while the movie dramatized his childhood, early radio career, marriage and rise to national fame.

The film also featured Mary McCormack as Alison, Stern’s first wife, and included appearances by several people associated with his radio career.

Private Parts became an important part of Stern’s transition from radio personality to a broader entertainment figure.

Howard Stern Wife

Howard Stern has been married twice. His first marriage was to Alison Berns, whom he met while they were students at Boston University. The couple married on June 4, 1978.

Stern and Berns had three daughters: Emily Beth, Debra Jennifer and Ashley Jade. They separated in 1999 and divorced in 2001. Stern later discussed aspects of their relationship and the pressures created by his career in his books and interviews.

In 2000, Stern began dating model and television personality Beth Ostrosky. They became engaged in 2007 and married on October 3, 2008, in New York City.

Beth Stern has remained involved in animal rescue and has frequently discussed her work with cats. She has also spoken publicly about her role in Howard Stern’s career and contract discussions. SiriusXM reported in May 2026 that Beth had discussed her involvement in her husband’s SiriusXM negotiations.

Howard Stern Children

Stern has three daughters from his first marriage to Alison Berns: Emily Beth, born in 1983; Debra Jennifer, born in 1986; and Ashley Jade, born in 1993.

Stern does not have children with Beth Ostrosky. His daughters have generally maintained lives separate from their father’s highly public career, although some have pursued work in entertainment and creative fields.

Howard Stern Parents

Howard Stern’s parents were Ben Stern and Ray Stern. His father worked as an audio engineer and was involved with radio and recording production. Stern has spoken extensively about his parents and childhood during his radio career.

His father, Ben Stern, died in 2022 at age 99. Howard announced his father’s death publicly and had previously discussed his relationship with him at length on his radio program.

Stern’s mother, Ray, has also been a recurring subject of his personal stories and interviews.

Howard Stern Religion and Jewish Background

Howard Stern was raised Jewish and has frequently discussed Jewish family traditions, his upbringing and his relationship with religion. He has also spoken about his parents’ interest in Transcendental Meditation, which influenced his own life.

Religion and spirituality have appeared periodically in Stern’s interviews and personal discussions, although his public career has primarily centered on broadcasting and entertainment.

Howard Stern Net Worth

Howard Stern’s exact net worth is not publicly established through a government financial disclosure because he is a private media personality rather than a public-company executive required to publish a personal balance sheet.

Celebrity Net Worth currently estimates his fortune at approximately $750 million and his annual salary at around $90 million. These are third-party estimates rather than audited figures, so they should be treated as estimates rather than confirmed financial facts.

Stern’s wealth has been built through decades of radio contracts, SiriusXM agreements, book sales, television work, film projects and other media activities. His long-term SiriusXM relationship has been particularly significant to his earnings.

Howard Stern Height

Howard Stern is commonly listed by entertainment and biographical sources as approximately 6 feet 5 inches tall. Because height measurements published by celebrity databases are not generally verified through official records, the figure should be treated as a commonly reported measurement rather than a precise government-confirmed statistic.

Howard Stern Awards and Recognition

Stern has received numerous broadcasting honors during his career. He has been recognized by the radio industry for his work and became one of the most commercially successful personalities in American radio.

His influence has also been reflected in the size of his syndicated audience, his SiriusXM contracts and his transition into television and film. His career is notable because he maintained a recognizable personal style while moving between different media platforms.

Howard Stern Quick Table

Reader Questions

Who is Howard Stern?

Howard Stern is an American broadcaster, comedian, author and media personality. He is best known for The Howard Stern Show, which has aired on SiriusXM since 2006.

How old is Howard Stern?

Howard Stern was born January 12, 1954. He is 72 years old as of September 30, 2026.

Who is Howard Stern’s wife?

Howard Stern is married to Beth Ostrosky Stern. They married in 2008 after beginning their relationship in 2000.

How many children does Howard Stern have?

Howard Stern has three daughters from his first marriage to Alison Berns. Their names are Emily Beth, Debra Jennifer and Ashley Jade.

When did Howard Stern join SiriusXM?

Stern began broadcasting on Sirius in January 2006 after leaving terrestrial radio. Sirius later became SiriusXM.

Is Howard Stern still on the radio in 2026?

Yes. Stern remains under contract with SiriusXM through 2028. His live show continues on SiriusXM, with a new video version also being distributed through HBO Max.

What happened to The Howard Stern Show in 2026?

The show returned for a new SiriusXM season on September 14, 2026. SiriusXM also began releasing adapted video episodes on HBO Max beginning September 17.

Is Howard Stern on HBO Max?

Yes. In 2026, SiriusXM announced a partnership with HBO Max to release weekly video versions of Stern’s live SiriusXM program. The HBO Max episodes are adapted from the live radio broadcasts.

What is Howard Stern’s net worth?

Howard Stern’s exact net worth has not been independently established through a public financial statement. Celebrity Net Worth currently estimates his fortune at $750 million, but that figure is a third-party estimate.

Was Howard Stern a judge on America’s Got Talent?

Yes. Stern served as a judge on America’s Got Talent from 2012 through 2015. He later returned his primary focus to his SiriusXM radio career.

What is Howard Stern famous for?

Stern is famous for The Howard Stern Show, his long-running radio program known for celebrity interviews, comedy and discussions of popular culture. He is also known for his books, Private Parts film and work on America’s Got Talent.

Wrap-Up

Howard Stern’s career began in traditional radio and eventually developed into a much larger media operation spanning radio, satellite broadcasting, television, film, books and streaming. His national breakthrough came through the syndicated version of The Howard Stern Show, while his move to SiriusXM in 2006 created a new chapter in his career.

As of September 30, 2026, Stern remains active at SiriusXM under a contract that runs through 2028. His new HBO Max partnership has also added a visual version of his long-running program, allowing audiences to watch conversations that were previously available primarily as audio.

At 72, Stern continues to occupy a distinctive place in American broadcasting. His career includes decades of radio, major publishing projects, television appearances and some of the industry’s most notable satellite-radio contracts. The 2026 expansion onto HBO Max represents another change in how audiences can access the program that made his name famous.