NPR offering buyouts; names acting CEO

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NPR / National Public RadioNational Public Radio says it’s offering across-the-board buyouts in hopes of cutting its staff by 10%. The buyouts, which are to be offered across the entire organization, were approved by NPR’s board as a way to eliminate a projected operating deficit of $6.1 million.


Said NPR in a release: “The Board also approved a budget for fiscal year 2014 and a strategic roadmap to achieve a balanced budget over the next two years. The budget includes operating and investment revenues of $178.1 million, expenses of $183 million, and an operating cash deficit of $6.1 million, or 3 percent of revenues. As part of the strategy to eliminate the deficit and lower ongoing expenses, NPR will offer a voluntary buyout plan broadly across the organization that seeks to reduce staffing levels by approximately 10 percent.”

NPR also announced 9/13 that board member Paul Haaga Jr. will serve as acting president and CEO effective 9/30. A search committee has been appointed to find a permanent replacement. He succeeds Gary Knell, who is leaving after less than two years to become president and CEO of National Geographic.

NPR distributes news, information and music programming to 975 public radio stations, reaching 27 million listeners a week.