National Public Radio (NPR) cut 10 per cent amid the declines in the company’s revenue, reported The New York Times. Apparently, the company is planning to eliminate a budget gap of USD 30 million, along with discontinuing producing four podcasts, namely ‘invisibilia,’ ‘louder than a riot,’ ‘rough translation,’ and ‘everyone & their mom.’
Isabel Lara, the spokesperson for NPR, stated in an email to The New York Times that NPR was forced to take difficult but essential actions to address the USD 30 million budget deficit caused by the decline in revenue from corporate sponsorships. She further mentioned that NPR attempted to retain its industry-leading podcast portfolio, including all daily and weekly shows, while focusing on key strategic priorities, daily habits, and serving new audiences.
As per the report, the job cuts impacted numerous departments, including producers, hosts, audience researchers, and designers. The company also implemented several measures last month as a part of its cost-saving measures, like closing positions, restricting unnecessary travel, and ending internship programs, however, the amount saved was only USD 14 million out of the total USD 30 million budget gap.
Lara also stated that the four podcasts are not being cancelled, despite the organization’s cost-cutting measures. Lara noted that the podcasts contain some of the best work NPR has produced, and that the organisation is exploring alternative ways to continue the work of the laid-off individuals. While production of the podcasts is ceasing, NPR is not using the term ‘cancelling,’ as the work may continue in various forms.
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