American Public Media Group (APMG), the parent organization of MPR News, announced Thursdayplans to reduce its workforce by 5 to 8 percent and implement additional cost-saving measures in response to a $6 million budget shortfall triggered by significant cuts in state and federal funding.
APMG, which employs approximately 500 people, described the layoffs as part of a broader strategy to address financial challenges while maintaining its commitment to public media.
In a staff meeting and subsequent statement to MPR News, APMG leadership outlined the difficult steps ahead. “While we are in a relatively strong financial position compared to other public media organizations, these cuts are substantial,” said Roycie Eppler, APMG’s chief people and culture officer.
The budget deficit stems from two major funding reductions. First, a federal bill eliminated $1.1 billion in previously allocated funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, which provides approximately 6 percent of MPR’s annual budget.
Additionally, Minnesota’s state budget slashed $1 million annually from MPR’s allocation for cultural heritage and legacy programming, reducing the total to $2 million through June 2027, down from $4 million in the prior budget cycle.In fiscal year 2023, the most recent year with available financial data, APMG reported operating expenses of $117 million against revenue of $108 million, relying in part on restricted endowment accounts to bridge the gap. The new funding cuts exacerbate this financial strain, prompting the organization to evaluate cost reductions across its operations.
APMG oversees a diverse portfolio, including MPR News, radio stations like The Current and YourClassical, and the nationally syndicated business program Marketplace. Leadership indicated that it is still determining which departments and roles will be affected by the layoffs, with notifications expected by mid-August. Impacted employees will be offered severance packages and outplacement services to support their transition.