KPBS lays off 3 staffers, moves 15 to part-time

[Y2kTheNewOldies]

https://current.org/2020/06/kpbs-lays-off-3-staffers-moves-15-to-part-time/

KPBS in San Diego has laid off three union staff members and will halve working hours for 15 others.

A spokesperson for KPBS confirmed the details of the cost-saving measures, which go into effect July 1 and have no planned end date. News of the layoffs was first posted on Twitter by the station’s union.

“Like many media organizations right now, we are seeing an increase in audience but a decrease in revenue,” KPBS said in a statement. “We saw this back in April and trimmed our operational expenses. However, it wasn’t enough. The economic impact of the pandemic is ongoing. The reduction in hours for a small percentage of employees allowed us to reduce the budget and keep position eliminations to a few. We are hopeful this will be a temporary change and that we will be able to weather the storm and bring back our staff to full-time.”

CPB gave public television and radio stations emergency relief funds this year, though many still face losses in underwriting and other sources of income such as events and membership support. As a university licensee, KPBS was not eligible for funds from the Paycheck Protection Program passed by Congress to help keep businesses afloat.

Cuts are effect for July 1st.

 

[Signal Geek]

What's sad is that KPBS-FM has consistently been number one or two in the 12+ ratings.

 

[TheBigA]

What's sad is that KPBS-FM has consistently been number one or two in the 12+ ratings.

The problem is that great ratings don't necessarily result in listener donations. The bigger problem for non-profits is the corporate sponsorship has dried up. So a lot of NPR stations have been laying off staff and even canceling some programs.