Howard Stern SiriusXM

Photo Credit: Bill Norton / CC by 2.0

Signs point to SiriusXM not renewing its contract with radio legend Howard Stern—and his employees are preparing for the change.

According to Howard Stern’s employees, “the writing has been on the wall for well over a year” that SiriusXM wouldn’t be renewing the radio host’s $500 million contract. As a result, the show’s staff has been on the lookout for new gigs, and “coasting” on the clock.

Howard Stern’s 19-year-run at SiriusXM appears to be nearing its end, as his $500 million contract expires at the end of the year. Meanwhile, his audience has been dwindling from 20 million a day to around 125,000.

“Most of us have been coasting at work the last year,” said a staffer on the show. “We know he’s retiring, whether by choice or because he’s forced out.”

Two employees at the show revealed that many members of staff have been putting out feelers for other work in the industry. “It’s been hard, because the industry [in New York City] is so incestuous, so you don’t know who’s talking to you.”

“I’m just hanging in there until this is all sorted out, and then I will take some time to unwind after all this,” the staffer explained. “I’m a fan and it’s been a big part of my life for so long, but it hasn’t been fun for a while.”

The 71-year-old Stern hinted in staff meetings leading up to his annual summer break that his retirement is on the horizon. Staffers say they’ve only heard rumors regarding his future at SiriusXM, but Stern himself is preparing to call it quits.

Notably, his so-called political U-turn has alienated many of Stern’s long-time fans. The self-proclaimed King of All Media used to be friends with Donald Trump, but openly came out against him when he first ran for office in 2015.

Stern was once a staunch supporter of Republicans like former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, but in recent years has been accused of “going woke.” This view of him was further amplified as he was an ardent backer of President Biden and Kamala Harris.

“I don’t know if it’s wokeness that alienated some of his audience, or if he just got tamer with age, but whatever it is, it’s apparent no one wants to hear it anymore,” said one of the staffers.

“I think he’s content to be out there in the Hamptons with his celebrity friends,” the other staffer suggested. “He likes being liked by famous people. That seems more important [to him] than his legacy.”

“His passion hasn’t been there, and that can be infectious,” they said. “When your boss doesn’t even seem like he wants to be there, it’s like, why should I bust my ass?”