Buyouts not enough to prevent KQED layoffs

[Mark Roberts]

Unfortunately, the drumbeat of public-media layoffs continues, with KQED stating that the acceptance of its buyout offers is not enough to forestall layoffs. No union-represented employees accepted buyout packages, according to KQED. From the SFGate (which will deposit a ridiculous amount of cookies in your browser, so proceed accordingly):

KQED to lay off employees after buyout packages weren't enough

The Bay Area public broadcaster is set to lay off employees amid a budget deficit.

www.sfgate.com

 

[radiofan2023]

They cut 34 positions:

KQED Cuts 34 Positions Amid Budget Shortfall | KQED

Out of more than 370 employees, KQED is eliminating 30 positions, and four vacant positions will remain unfilled. In total, the reductions represent 8% of staff.

www.kqed.org

 

[Kelly A]

And some of us keep repeating: Considering the loss of advertising/underwriting nationwide, expect many more cuts to come. And no, it's not 'fatcat management' or 'bean counters' keeping down the man, it's lack of advertising, plus a public weary of the onslaught of charities all vying for your dollar known recently as 'donor fatigue'.

 

[radiofan2023]

Even with the cuts, the article says KQED doesn’t anticipate having a balanced budget until fiscal year 2027.

 

[rev.mixed]

And some of us keep repeating: Considering the loss of advertising/underwriting nationwide, expect many more cuts to come. And no, it's not 'fatcat management' or 'bean counters' keeping down the man, it's lack of advertising, plus a public weary of the onslaught of charities all vying for your dollar known recently as 'donor fatigue'.

As a fatigued donor, I fully understand.

I also believe that they might do better if they tried to replicate what WETA does in the DC market, which is to incorporate both news and music.

 

[Kelly A]

As a fatigued donor, I fully understand.

I also believe that they might do better if they tried to replicate what WETA does in the DC market, which is to incorporate both news and music.

I've watched the WETA begathon, and don't really see anything different in presentation than any other public TV station.

I think donor fatigue is the combination of fundraising from all sources: Retail ('would you like to round up your purchase to help wayward radio nerds?'), TV: kids who are now 30 years old pitching for Shriner's Hospital, homeless teens, ASPCA, various veterans organizations, instruments for teens, Commercial Radio: Kars for Kids, the list goes on and on. Then public stations take a week to fund raise every quarter. Given the high price of food and living, once someone feels guilty about the shivering dog on TV and gives their $19.99 per month, they don't have enough disposable income to give their local NPR affiliate another $19 a month.

 

[DarrenVision]

Unfortunately, the drumbeat of public-media layoffs continues, with KQED stating that the acceptance of its buyout offers is not enough to forestall layoffs. No union-represented employees accepted buyout packages, according to KQED. From the SFGate (which will deposit a ridiculous amount of cookies in your browser, so proceed accordingly):

KQED to lay off employees after buyout packages weren't enough

The Bay Area public broadcaster is set to lay off employees amid a budget deficit.

www.sfgate.com

Obiously u need to paywall to access SFGATE's parent site SF Chronicle. Typical Hearst, we are now cashstrapped in subscriptions and donations.

 

[DarrenVision]

And some of us keep repeating: Considering the loss of advertising/underwriting nationwide, expect many more cuts to come. And no, it's not 'fatcat management' or 'bean counters' keeping down the man, it's lack of advertising, plus a public weary of the onslaught of charities all vying for your dollar known recently as 'donor fatigue'.

Public radio doesnt do ads, just sponsorships which are different part of how pubilc radio does have "commercial" breaks.

 

[tbolt909]

I've watched the WETA begathon, and don't really see anything different in presentation than any other public TV station.

I think donor fatigue is the combination of fundraising from all sources: Retail ('would you like to round up your purchase to help wayward radio nerds?'), TV: kids who are now 30 years old pitching for Shriner's Hospital, homeless teens, ASPCA, various veterans organizations, instruments for teens, Commercial Radio: Kars for Kids, the list goes on and on. Then public stations take a week to fund raise every quarter. Given the high price of food and living, once someone feels guilty about the shivering dog on TV and gives their $19.99 per month, they don't have enough disposable income to give their local NPR affiliate another $19 a month.

People should be capable of deciding which cause they choose to support. You can avoid "Donor Fatigue" by saying No. Many folks bemoan that they're strapped for cash, but they don't seem to have any trouble getting daily Amazon deliveries or a $10 Starbucks coffee each morning.

Times change. TV networks gutted news programming because it was too expensive. Printed versions of Newspapers and magazines are nearly extinct. Commercial and Public Radio have issues to address. However, you can't cut your way to prosperity...

 

[Kelly A]

Public radio doesnt do ads, just sponsorships which are different part of how pubilc radio does have "commercial" breaks.

When did I say public stations play commercials? Their equivalent is called Underwriting Credit.

 

[radiofan2023]

The changes in the amount of money someone can deduct as a charitable donation haven’t helped. The standard deduction is higher now and itemizing is required to deduct charitable giving. Plus if you get something from a public radio/TV station for donating, that can impact how much of the donation you can deduct. This site has more info & talks about how the tax deductible donation limits have changed:

2023 Tax Rules and Tips for Easier, Cost-Effective Charitable Giving

At a time when so many people need help, there are still many benefits — tax and philanthropic — to giving back.

www.unicefusa.org

 

[Delete My Account]

Those rules were changed by parties who are, shall we say, not the most friendly to the idea of public broadcasting.