Budget Shortfall Results in Eight Layoffs at KPBS

Faced with an unexpected shortfall in revenue and a budgetary deficit, public broadcasting station KPBS cut eight staff positions Tuesday from its radio and television operations.

Five full-time and three part-time positions were eliminated. Among those laid off Tuesday were art director Ron Coviello, radio producer Hector Molina and director of Telecommunication Services Sandi Strauss.

The station has moved to reduce its overall expenses by 9%--$800,000--for the 1993 fiscal year in the face of a projected $500,000 deficit.

“Every area of operating expenses has been cut, everything from paper clips to videotape stock,” station spokeswoman Pat Finn said.

Revenue and membership increased by 7% in the 1992 fiscal year, but expenses increased by 11.5%, according to a written statement from KPBS administration manager Horst Bruenjes. He cited the recession as the major cause for the revenue shortage.

In addition, “several revenue-generating projects were below expectations,” according to the statement.

Finn said a fund-raiser featuring Mark Russell and the station’s annual sweepstakes were the biggest recent revenue disappointments.

A new business plan, developed with the help of a consultant from the accounting firm of McLadrey and Pullen, will erase the deficit over two years and provide a modest cash reserve by the end of the third year, according to the statement.