Radio personality Howard Stern is facing criticism following layoffs of approximately 12 long-term staffers at his show. Insiders described the situation as "ruthless," with some employees who had been with Stern for over two decades reportedly receiving severance packages amounting to just over one week's salary for each year of service. This is reportedly less than the typical industry standard of two weeks' salary per year of employment.
Mike Trainor, who had been with the show for 12 years, confirmed his departure on X (formerly Twitter), expressing gratitude for his time and seeking new opportunities. Among those reportedly laid off were Benjy Bronk, a show fixture since 1999, as well as on-air personalities Memet Walker and Jon Blitt.
The staff departures follow a significant overhaul of Stern's radio program. Stern recently signed a new three-year deal with SiriusXM, where he has been broadcasting for two decades. Upon inking the pact, he indicated a plan to "have it all" with more free time while continuing on the radio. Sources have indicated that Stern plans to scale back to one new show per week starting this fall, with the other four days programmed with previously aired material. This shift comes after Stern has been broadcasting from home since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic more than six years ago.
One insider told The US Sun that Stern, a millionaire, "got there with the help of his team" and that it was "incredible" for older employees to be "hitting the pavement" when they should be focused on retirement.
Representatives for Stern and SiriusXM, as well as some of the affected employees, have been reached for comment.