Staff members preparing for the show’s end, holding back top content due to uncertainty ahead

Changes on the Horizon for Howard Stern at SiriusXM

There has been talk, well, murmurs actually, that SiriusXM might not extend Howard Stern’s hefty contract, leaving his team feeling somewhat adrift. Many have started exploring other job opportunities while the clock ticks down.

Recent reports indicate that “The Howard Stern Show,” which has been airing for nearly 19 years, might be wrapping up soon. The show’s audience seems to have dwindled dramatically—from about 20 million to just 125,000 daily listeners. The contract, reportedly valued at $500 million, is set to expire by year’s end.

Interestingly, some writers on the show have started crafting their own farewell jokes, according to an employee who spoke candidly about the situation.

With the potential finale looming, a long-time staff member mentioned that many are just “coast-running” until they figure out what’s next, expressing uncertainty about whether Howard will retire or if the decision will come from SiriusXM.

As the staff considers their next moves in a tightly-knit industry, the atmosphere is somewhat tense. One employee noted it feels complicated to navigate the landscape in a city like New York, where connections can feel tangled.

“I’m just hanging in there until everything gets sorted out. Once it does, I might take some time to unwind,” one staffer reflected, adding they’ve been a fan for quite some time. Still, the excitement seems to have faded.

Before summer breaks kicked in, during a staff meeting, there were whispers around Stern’s impending retirement. Yet, most staffers felt they were only hearing vague rumors about his future with SiriusXM.

This situation comes in the wake of significant shifts in Stern’s public persona, especially regarding his political views. Once friendly with Donald Trump, he shifted gears completely in 2015, especially during the election against Hillary Clinton.

Many felt that his previous friendships with notable Republican figures had changed, as he began aligning more closely with democratic voices and policies. He has been seen as part of the Hollywood elite, drawing attention for mingling with celebrities like Jimmy Kimmel and Jennifer Aniston.

Yet a colleague stated that since the onset of COVID-19, Stern seems more withdrawn, even calling him a hermit. The work-from-home model in Southampton has altered his presence; he’s noted to be operating from a less vibrant space than before.

Personal losses have compounded in recent years for Stern, including the deaths of his father in 2022 and close friends thereafter. This has sparked complaints from fans, who express dissatisfaction with the show’s dropping quality and the noticeable change in Stern’s once-vibrant persona.

“It’s hard when the fire isn’t there. It can be contagious in a way,” a staff member remarked. “When your leader isn’t giving it their all, it makes you question why you should push yourself.”