More bad news from NPR today. Not all of it had to do with a certain Michigan-based industry I currently have little sympathy for – NPR itself is laying off employees and canceling more programs. “News and Notes” and “Day to Day,” as well as a large percentage of NPR West staff, are the main casualties.
Which sucks, because “Day to Day” meant I didn’t have to listen to classical music or commercial radio on my lunch break if I left my iPod at home.
Lest you think we’re going to get all testy over this one, I want you to know, it’s clear from everything I read that this cut was not made lightly. It’s clear that the decision was deliberate and measured.
And short-sighted, if you didn’t already know my opinion. NPR’s listenership is growing, along with their reputation and cultural caché. Now seems like the worst possible time to risk that by cutting employees, who are – as hippy-dippy as it sounds – the resource that NPR most needs in order to really connect with its audience.
Problem is, that growing audience is probably facing a budget gap not much smaller than the one currently faced by NPR itself. As a result, they’re not pledging their support like they might. Also, have you noticed the major corporate underwriters? Financial corporations, auto makers.
Something tells me that they’re not crazy just now about donating to the world’s greatest resource for news about their own demise.
What NPR needs to do right now is to put is strongest most powerful resources behind…
No, honestly, my opinion right now is meaningless. Rather, not meaningless, but powerless. And I’m fine with that. It doesn’t matter what I think NPR should or shouldn’t do in times of financial crisis; I’m not the one dealing with the real (and limited) money coming in.
What NPR needs to do right now is to tell its staff to gather their friends and loved ones and make with the hugs and comforting.
Also, someone should give David Folkenflik a hug. No one wants to write about how 64 of their colleagues will be jobless, either in January or in March – the two programs end broadcast March 20th, the day before my wedding.
Thanks for the wedding gift, economy.
One Comment
It’s too bad we don’t have a quick way to generate an NPR budget game, so people could try their own hand at tackling the $23 million shortfall and see the impact of each possible decision. The hard truth is that there is no good way to fix a major shortfall like this, and no matter what you end up with, major cuts have to happen somewhere. It’s a lose-lose situation.
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