A reduction in federal funding has left NPR looking at the elimination of some staff members. It is hoping to cut $8 million from its annual budget.
What We Know: NPR is offering buyouts to roughly 300 employees in an effort to cut the budget. The company says it will accept up to 30 buyouts. However, if it does not receive 30 buyouts, it will enact targeted layoffs. Buyout offers are good until next Tuesday, May 26th.
What They Said: “The extraordinary generosity of donors across the nation has really mitigated some of the hardest impacts of the loss of federal funding. I am relieved that that is the case. And now it is our responsibility to ensure that we take that gift that they have given us and use this time to get to a place where we are sustainable for the future.” -NPR CEO Katherine Maher
What Remains Unclear: How much of the budget cuts are related directly to employee compensation. Many of the highest-earning members of the staff — hosts of prominent shows — are ineligible for the buyout offers. The buyout offers are currently targeted at members of the newsroom. It is unclear if potential layoffs will also be directed at that division.
What It Means: NPR has recently received a pair of gifts that are two of the three largest it has ever received. Despite that influx of cash, Maher and other leaders say they are doing what they can to be the best stewards of those gifts.
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Garrett Searight is Barrett Media’s News Editor, which includes writing daily news stories, features, and opinion columns. He joined Barrett Media in 2022 after a decade leading several radio brands in several formats, as well as a 5-year stint working in local television. In addition to his work with Barrett Media, he is a radio and TV play-by-play broadcaster. Reach out to him at Garrett@BarrettMedia.com.
