NPR Eliminates 28 Jobs and Drops Daily News-Talk Show

NPR said Tuesday that it is scrapping “Tell Me More,” a daily news-discussion program aimed at minority listeners, and will eliminate some 28 positions as part of the cancellation and other cutbacks, reports The Washington Post.

The job cuts, amounting to about 3.5 percent of the nonprofit radio network’s 800-plus staffers, come eight months after NPR announced a buyout program aimed at shaving 10 percent of its work force. The broadcaster is facing a projected $6-million deficit in the current fiscal year.

“Tell Me More,” introduced seven years ago as part of efforts by NPR to diversify its audience, was carried by just 136 of the public broadcaster’s more than 800 affiliated stations. The Washington-based network, which has struggled to sustain minority-focused programs, said the cancellation was a financial decision that grew out of its budget problems.

Read a Chronicle of Philanthropy story on fiscal and other challenges facing NPR’s new chief executive, Jarl Mohn.