NPR Cutbacks

Non-profit membership organization NPR announced it would lay off 64 employees, which is seven percent of its workforce, on December 10, 2008. Most of the cutbacks will arise from the cancellation of two shows, Day to Day and News & Notes, which will remain on air until March 20, 2009.NPR: NPR Announces Cuts To Staff, Programs

While NPR's initial projected deficit for 2009 was 2 million dollars, the sudden drop in the economy has increased that defecit to 23 million. This is mainly due to a decrease in funds by corporate sponsorship, which is NPR's second largest means for funding.NPR: Tough Economy Forces NPR To Address Unexpected Shortfall In Revenue

The cutbacks will have the biggest impact at the NPR West studios in Culver City, California, the home base for the two programs being cut. Day to Day host Madeleine Brand and News & Notes host Farai Chideya, as well as other employees for the cancelled shows, are not the only ones being affected, however. There will also be cutbacks in areas such as digital media, research, editorial and production, reporting, station services, and communications and administrative support.: The New York Times: NPR Points to Shortfall in Cutting 64 Positions : NPR: Tough Economy Forces NPR To Address Unexpected Shortfall In Revenue