Wisconsin Public Radio (WPR) is set to move forward with employee layoffs over the coming weeks, but it’s unclear when they will occur and how many workers will be affected, The Capital Times reports. WPR will also reportedly pursue a “one team” structure with PBS Wisconsin.
The public radio network cited a “significant structural deficit” behind its decision in an email to staff and in recent months has used reserve funds to balance its budget. When asked about the layoffs last week, Sarah Ashworth, WPR’s director, said the company “would not discuss personnel issues.”
The news follows declines in listeners and members at WPR in recent years, in line with national trends. Both WPR and PBS Wisconsin are part of the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s Division of Public Media. Leadership there plans to bring the two entities together under one organizational structure but maintain the separate brands.
