SiriusXM Staffers Push Back on Severance After Stern Show Layoffs

More than a dozen staff members, including at least five on-air personalities, were let go as the program transitions to a single three-hour live show per week starting in September. While some employees claimed the cuts came as a surprise, internal sources suggested the reduction was anticipated as the show’s production footprint shrank. Rahsaan Rogers, a fixture on the program for 16 years, confirmed his departure on LinkedIn, marking the end of a long tenure that involved directing live broadcasts and mentoring production staff.

The friction over severance packages highlights the tension behind the scenes at SiriusXM. Several former employees entered into negotiations with the human resources department to improve the initial offers, which were tied to strict confidentiality requirements. While some staff members ultimately secured better terms, others remain in a standoff. Meanwhile, former staffer Jon Blitt has taken a more lighthearted approach to his exit, posting a social media video that parodies his transition into retail work.

The organizational shift follows Howard Stern’s recent contract renewal, which keeps him at SiriusXM through 2028. Stern, who signed the three-year extension in December 2025, described the deal as a way to secure more personal time while maintaining his presence on the air. His broadcast schedule has seen a steady decline from the five-day-a-week format of his terrestrial radio days to the current abbreviated model, reflecting a career-long trend toward increased flexibility.