CapRadio Announces Staff Layoffs
Sacramento, CA - August 30, 2023: Capital Public Radio (CapRadio) announced staff layoffs today in response to current financial strains. The layoffs apply to 12% of its workforce and are spread over many departments and levels of the organization. Three fourths of those affected were part-time employees.
Interim General Manager Tom Karlo stated, “We are deeply saddened to say farewell to such dedicated and talented staff members. This is a difficult decision, but we view it as necessary to carry out the station’s public service mission during a financially challenging time for us and for media across the country.”
Karlo said CapRadio will continue playing an indispensable role in the communities it serves while undergoing an operational review and making adjustments where needed to strengthen processes and streamline finances.
Over the last five years CapRadio has undertaken three ambitious projects. These include the construction of its new headquarters and broadcast center in downtown Sacramento, as well as CapRadio Live, a public performance and gathering space nearby. Finally, the company’s leadership has worked for years to improve audio quality and reach more listeners for CapRadio Music by relocating the KXPR (88.9) tower.
These plans have coincided with the COVID-19 pandemic, economic uncertainty and subsequent contraction experienced by media outlets nationwide. Construction on the projects, which are nearing completion, continued apace while gaining donor support was slowed by the pandemic.
According to Board Chair Andrea Clark, “Our board is working closely with CapRadio’s management team and our license holder Sacramento State to strengthen leadership, ensure financial sustainability and safeguard the organization’s journalistic independence. CapRadio is an anchor institution for our community and will continue to provide outstanding content across all platforms for our diverse audiences.”
About CapRadio
CapRadio serves California’s Capital Region, Central Valley and Sierra Nevada as a public-supported alternative to for-profit media. As the NPR Member station based in Sacramento, CapRadio connects with communities through seven broadcast stations, live streaming, podcasts, digital communities, live experiences and more. Known for its award-winning newsroom, CapRadio is recognized as a leader in state government reporting and community-engaged journalism, and CapRadio Music is the exclusive broadcast source of classical and jazz in the region. As the managing operators of NSPR in Chico and KHSU in Humboldt, more than 550,000 people each week choose CapRadio as a valued source of news, storytelling, music and events. CapRadio is a Sacramento State auxiliary and operates under the University’s broadcasting license.
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CONTACT:
Shirlee Tully
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