On Monday, Howard Stern staged a playful act on SiriusXM, causing a stir on CNBC. During an episode of “Squawk Box,” host Andrew Ross Sorkin and co-host Becky sat in disbelief as Stern pretended to make a dramatic exit, claiming he had been replaced by Bravo’s Andy Cohen.
A moment later, Sorkin, showing his confusion, asked if it was all just a prank. The light-hearted segment seemed to catch everyone off guard, with Becky also questioning the seriousness of the situation.
The shenanigans kicked off at 7 AM Eastern, coinciding with Stern’s return from a break. Cohen jokingly announced the “breakup” between Stern and SiriusXM, asserting he could never fill the star’s shoes. The whole act, amplified through Stern’s social media, misled numerous outlets into believing the news was genuine.
Shortly thereafter, Stern reappeared with his loyal co-host, Robin Quivers, confirming that it was all a setup. He reflected on his recent illness and touched upon the ongoing contract discussions that had been circulating online.
Stern dismissed the rumors about being fired or replaced, expressing he felt content with Sirius. The Associated Press briefly reported his supposed departure, only to retract the story soon after, sending out corrections to clarify the situation.
Several media outlets initially reported on Cohen’s joke as if it were real news, showcasing the frantic nature of modern journalism. MediaIte even highlighted how Sorkin and Becky reacted live to the unfolding spoof.
Amid all this, prominent outlets like TMZ and The Daily Beast noted the frequent hoaxes surrounding Stern, especially with ongoing discussions about his hefty contract negotiations. Recently, SiriusXM executives indicated optimism regarding updates but didn’t share specifics.
The prank tapped into the speculation surrounding Stern’s diminished summer presence, which some suggested was due to him “waking up too much.” Stern later chuckled at the absurdity of the rumors, admitting that he was frustrated by how quickly people jumped to conclusions about his status.
Cohen’s initial setup cleverly mirrored the recent buzz regarding Stern’s contract, as he delivered this playful transition, amplifying the anticipation among listeners who were eager for Stern’s return.
