New York Public Radio recently announced a second round of staff and programming cuts impacting various properties, including WNYC 93.9 FM, WNYC Studios, and WQXR 105.9 FM. Despite the cuts, the organization’s President and CEO LaFontaine Oliver’s salary remains undisclosed.
In a recent email to staff, Oliver explained that the organization is facing financial challenges due to declining radio listenership and advertising revenue. As a result, cuts were made in the local newsroom, including the cancellation of the show “Notes from America” and the reduction of events at The Greene Space. A total of 302 employees were affected, with 14 being laid off and 12 taking voluntary layoffs.
The cuts also impacted WQXR, leading to the elimination of morning newscasts and the absence of hosts during nighttime programming. While Oliver mentioned doubling down on local content, some newsroom staff expressed sadness over the cuts and the continued dwindling of the news operation.
Despite the organization’s efforts to address a projected $12 million budget deficit, questions have been raised about executive pay. While the salaries of other top executives were disclosed, Oliver’s compensation remains unknown. The organization has implemented temporary salary reductions due to the pandemic, but permanent solutions are being sought to attract and retain talent.
The ongoing financial struggles at NYPR reflect challenges faced by public radio stations nationwide, including National Public Radio, which underwent workforce reductions last year. The organization continues to review operating expenses and make cuts where possible to address the financial shortfall.
The latest round of cuts comes after previous layoffs and content cancellations, raising concerns about the long-term sustainability of NYPR. While the organization strives to remain relevant in a changing media landscape, the impact of these cuts on staff and programming remains a point of contention.
It is essential for organizations like NYPR to adapt to evolving audience preferences and revenue sources to ensure their continued success. As the media industry undergoes significant transformations, strategic decisions must be made to navigate an increasingly competitive landscape while upholding the organization’s mission and serving its community.