NPR has taken drastic measures to address a $30 million budget shortfall by laying off 10% of its staff and canceling the production of four popular podcasts. The revenue shortfall from corporate sponsorship has led to these steps to maintain the organization’s commitment to serving new audiences.
The widespread layoffs affected various departments, including producers, hosts, audience researchers, and designers. NPR had previously eliminated open positions, restricted nonessential travel, and suspended internship programs, but these measures only saved NPR $14 million, leaving a significant budget shortfall.
Isabel Lara, a spokesperson for NPR, stated, “We’ve tried as much as possible to retain our industry-leading podcast portfolio, including all daily and weekly shows, and focus on key strategic priorities, daily habits, and serving new audiences. Unfortunately, NPR has had to take painful but necessary steps to address a $30 million shortfall in revenues from corporate sponsorship.”
Cancellation of Popular Podcasts
NPR made a difficult decision to cancel four popular podcasts, including “Invisibilia,” “Louder Than a Riot,” “Rough Translation,” and “Everyone & Their Mom.” These podcasts are groundbreaking projects that have produced some of the best work NPR has ever done.
“Invisibilia” is a podcast that explores the invisible forces that guide human behavior. Its episodes were streamed or downloaded more than 10 million times in four weeks. “Rough Translation,” tells stories from places around the world in a relatable manner and will stop production after its new season airs this summer. “Louder Than a Riot” explores marginalization in hip-hop and how misogyny and racism against Black women are embedded in culture, and it will also cease production after its current, second season. “Everyone & Their Mom” is a comedy spinoff of the company’s weekend news quiz show, “Wait Wait… Don’t Tell Me!,” and will also be discontinued.
Efforts to Avoid Disproportionately Affecting Marginalized Groups
NPR has tried to avoid disproportionately affecting people of color and other marginalized groups with the layoffs. However, the “Louder Than a Riot” account had previously raised concerns that the layoffs predominantly affected queer people and people of color. The show later corrected this claim, stating that the demographic of NPR remained the same as before the layoffs.
NPR remains committed to finding ways to continue producing high-quality content and serving new audiences. The organization is exploring other forms to continue the groundbreaking work produced by the canceled podcasts. Although the production of these podcasts has been discontinued, NPR remains focused on achieving its strategic priorities and serving its loyal listeners.
