PBS layoffs: The “PBS NewsHour” will conduct a series of layoffs for the first time in several decades, it was reported Monday.
The producers of the public television staple, MacNeil/Lehrer Productions, will close down its offices near Washington D.C., Denver, and San Francisco, reported The New York Times. Most of the employees will also be laid off in those locations.
Several production positions will also be cut in other places.
The company is facing a multimillion-dollar shortfall.
“These steps come after more than a year reviewing how the NewsHour functions and how to take advantage of opportunities presented by new technologies,” PBS said in a statement, according to the Denver Post.
It added: “We believe the staff restructuring and production changes, along with continuing web investment, will make us stronger and enable us to be more effective and nimble. Along with sending our own teams into the field, we will build new relationships with journalists around the country. Managing producer Patti Parson will remain.”
“NewsHour” spokesperson Anne Bell told the Post that 10 production, technical, and administration positions will be cut.
“In addition to leaving several open positions unfilled, in total 10 people were affected,” she said.
