In a memo to staff, NPR CEOJohn Lansingwrote that our financial outlook has darkened considerably in recent weeks.
The cuts we have already made to our budget will not be enough, Lansing wrote.
NPR also is cutting many of its open positions.
National Public Radio headquarters in Washington, D.C.Getty Images
We must make adjustments to what we control, and that is our spending.
As we reduce the number of roles at NPR, some work will need to change or stop entirely.
Figuring out what work that is will take some additional time.
He told Folkenflik that the cuts will not be evenly spread across the company.
Management is about committing to strategy, making tough decisions.
The cuts we have already made to our budget will not be enough.
We must make adjustments to what we control, and that is our spending.
We have reached a point where we can no longer protect all jobs.
We fought hard to avoid this.
To address the growing deficit, we need to further reduce our spending.
We will also need to reduce filled positions by approximately 10%.
To work out this process, we will be having conversations internally and bargaining with our unions.
This will be a major loss.
Guided by our strategic priorities, we must support NPRs mission and future with the resources we have.
As we reduce the number of roles at NPR, some work will need to change or stop entirely.
Figuring out what work that is will take some additional time.
I hope to have final decisions about the position reductions by the week of March 20.
We will work with our unions as we always have, and I know those conversations will be helpful.
SAG-AFTRA and NABET have been essential partners over the years in how NPR has navigated many challenges.
As we move through the coming weeks, we will keep the lines of communication open.
We will be open about our work to support the future of our organization and our remarkable employees.
