Howard Stern Show Salaries Revealed by Ex-Staff Before Legal Battle

Controversies Surrounding Howard Stern's Show

Former employees of The Howard Stern Show have spoken about challenging working conditions and low pay. This includes revelations from the Vice TV docuseries Dark Side of the 2000s, where several ex-staffers shared their experiences.

Claims from Past Employees

Jackie Martling, who worked with the show from 1983 to 2001, highlighted the issue of inadequate compensation, noting that many staff were underpaid despite Stern's significant earnings. He expressed frustration over Stern's unwillingness to raise his salary, which eventually led to his departure.

John Melendez also shared financial struggles during his time with the show, earning only $20,000 annually before leaving for a higher-paying opportunity with Jay Leno.

An intern from 1991 to 1998, Steve Grillo, claimed he received no payment initially and struggled with insufficient wages when he was finally compensated. His request for a raise to afford health insurance was allegedly denied by management.

Lawsuit Against Howard Stern

A lawsuit has been filed by Leslie Kuhn, a former executive assistant and office manager for SiriusXM’s The Howard Stern Show. She contends her termination was due to a hostile work environment and disorganized operations within the household where she was employed.

Kuhn claims her role expanded to include managing the household and assisting in Beth Stern's animal rescue activities. Following her termination, she sought legal action, aiming to render a nondisclosure agreement unenforceable.