Key Takeaways
- Howard Stern has laid off around a dozen staff members.
- He plans to reduce his SiriusXM shows to one per week after Labor Day.
- The decision follows a new contract signed in December, aimed at providing more flexibility.
- Remaining airtime will feature content from his extensive archive.
Staff Layoffs Announced
Howard Stern has reportedly laid off about a dozen staffers from his SiriusXM show as he prepares to transition to a single new show each week after Labor Day. Sources indicate that the staff was informed during a Zoom call on Monday.
New Show Format
During the meeting, Stern announced his decision to cut back on live shows, stating that he no longer requires as much content. While he has retained a core team of veteran producers, the remaining airtime will be filled with pre-recorded segments from his extensive archive.
Contract Details
Details about the new contract signed last December remain unclear, though his previous five-year agreement was valued at $500 million. Following the announcement, affected staff members were sent home immediately and will receive severance packages based on their tenure with the network.
Background and Future Plans
Stern, who has been a prominent figure on the airwaves for nearly five decades, signed a new contract last year that he claimed would offer him greater flexibility. He expressed a desire for more free time while continuing to engage with his audience. His wife, Beth Stern, has publicly supported his decision to sign the new contract, suggesting it has been beneficial for him.
Since joining Sirius in 2006, Stern has become known for his unique interviewing style and has significantly influenced the broadcasting landscape. As he moves forward with this new format, it remains to be seen how his audience will respond.