L-A Radio: 16 Staffers Exit KCRW

Santa Monica public radio station KCRW will part ways with 16 staffers and end the popular podcast “Greater LA.”

KCRW-FM (89.9) host Steve Chiotakis, who created “Greater LA,” announced on X (formerly Twitter) that the final episode of his daily news program would air Thursday, as “management is ending it after nearly 5 years.”

“I am so grateful for the time we had, the wonderful people who helped put it together, and all the ears that listened,” he wrote. “Thank you for everything!”

Chiotakis’ announcement comes as KCRW prepares to reduce its workforce through voluntary departures, including prominent broadcasters “Morning Becomes Eclectic” co-host Anthony Valadez and “All Things Considered” host Janaya Williams, The LA Times has confirmed. More than a dozen other staff members also have accepted buyout packages offered by the station and most of those employees are set to depart this month.

KCRW chief content officer Arnie Seipel addressed the end of “Greater LA” in a Wednesday staff memo reviewed by The Times. For years, “Greater LA” has looked at national news stories — from rent hikes to homelessness to workers’ rights — through a Los Angeles lens, but has struggled to secure a “sustainable audience on broadcast or digital platforms,” the memo said.

In early December, KCRW said it was facing a projected $3-million budget deficit and needed to reduce its staff. Employees were offered buyout packages, and station executives have since disclosed that about 16 staff members had accepted the offers — or about 10% of the station’s workforce.

“These changes are hard, but also the best way to ensure KCRW can continue delivering on our mission in an increasingly competitive media environment,” KCRW management said in a statement to The Times. “We are grateful to everyone who chose to take the opportunity to pursue a different path, and we are excited about the future of this great station.”

KCRW is known for its local programs — including the music show “Morning Becomes Eclectic,” Madeleine Brand’s topical “Press Play” and the weekly political series “Left, Right & Center” — along with national offerings from NPR.