The ripple effects of the Trump administration's elimination of federal funding for public media—signed into law in July 2025 and leading to the shutdown of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) in August—continue to hammer stations nationwide.
In Los Angeles, NPR affiliate KCRW 89.9 FM, a Santa Monica College-owned powerhouse known for eclectic music programming and in-depth journalism, has announced it's slashing 10% of its staff to address a "new budget reality."
This impacts roughly 15-20 positions out of KCRW's approximately 180 employees, including beloved on-air talent, and marks the latest in a series of belt-tightening moves for the station.
Congress's decision to defund CPB stripped public broadcasters of about $535 million annually in federal support, a lifeline that accounted for 10-15% of budgets for many stations. For KCRW, this loss exacerbates pre-existing pressures from the streaming era's shift away from traditional radio and a 2023 $3 million deficit that prompted voluntary buyouts. 
KCRW President Jennifer Ferro detailed the cuts in an internal memo and public letter, stating: "These decisions were made after careful consideration of how best to position us against the twin challenges of needing to adapt to how people consume media today as well as the loss of federal dollars."
The layoffs hit KCRW's music department hardest, claiming three iconic DJs whose voices defined the station's vibe:
- Jason Kramer: After 27 years hosting The Lab and Future Breaks, Kramer shared a poignant exit: "It’s been an honor to share these sounds with you."
- Jeremy Sole: The 18-year veteran behind Summer of Soul sessions wrote, "With a heavy heart... I’ve been most honored and grateful to share time and music with you every week."
- José Galván: Host of Nights on Air for 14 years, Galván was blunt: "Radio is my passion, and there will be other opportunities for me to share my taste at better run institutions."
These departures echo 2023 buyouts that saw Morning Becomes Eclectic co-host Anthony Valadez and All Things Considered anchor Janaya Williams leave, plus the cancellation of Greater LA. KCRW assures listeners that core shows like Morning Becomes Eclectic will continue, but the station's "eclectic edge" feels diminished.