New York Public Radio, the parent organization of the WNYC news station, announced on Tuesday that it will reduce its workforce by approximately 12 percent.
The decision to cut staff was prompted by a significant decline in the advertising market, according to LaFontaine Oliver, President and CEO of New York Public Radio. In a memo to employees, Oliver acknowledged the impact of macroeconomic factors and expressed understanding of the difficulties this news presents to the affected staff.
As a nonprofit organization, New York Public Radio operates WNYC, the classical music station WQXR, and the Gothamist local news site, employing a total of around 340 full-time and part-time workers. While specific details regarding the affected areas of the organization were not disclosed in the memo, Oliver reassured employees that the organization would strive to protect its journalism and music endeavors. Furthermore, New York Public Radio plans to eliminate a majority of its open positions.
Similar to other public radio stations, WNYC has been adapting to changes in audience listening habits, with many listeners transitioning to newer platforms like Spotify. The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated these changes, as fewer individuals commute to work, which has traditionally been a significant source of listenership.
New York Public Radio has been at the forefront of embracing evolving listener behaviors. The organization’s WNYC Studios produces popular podcasts such as “Radiolab,” which explores themes of curiosity and the natural world, and “The New Yorker Radio Hour,” a podcast adaptation of the magazine.
