PBS Cuts Staff by More Than 10%

With the slowing economy affecting corporate underwriting, the Public Broadcasting Service trimmed its staff by more than 10%, or about 59 positions, its second round of cost-cutting in the past year.

The cuts, to be made through a combination of 27 layoffs and the rest in unfilled positions, follow a 9% staffing reduction, or 60 positions, in March, and will bring PBS’ total number of employees to just over 500.

At the same time, as part of an overall strategic refocusing, PBS named Wayne Godwin to the new post of executive vice president and chief operating officer. He will handle day-to-day operations of all PBS divisions except programming, which reports directly to Pat Mitchell, PBS president and chief executive officer. Godwin had overseen member services.

Among other changes, PBS said it will cut travel budgets and close its Midwest programming office, opened less than a year ago as part of PBS’ plan to diversify its program sources. Alyce Myatt, who oversaw the office, will relocate to PBS’ Alexandria, Va., headquarters.

PBS Select will also be eliminated; the service helps about 40 smaller shows, such as one hosted by comedian Red Green, find distribution on the 349 PBS stations.

PBS, which began its fiscal year on July 1, is hoping to realize about $7 million in annual savings through the cuts, which will come from its previously approved fiscal year 2002 operating budget of $335 million.

Some of the public broadcaster’s mainstay programs have already felt the impact of corporate funding cutbacks. “The NewsHour With Jim Lehrer,” for one, lost one of its two underwriters and is relying on a foundation grant to tide it over. Another high-level PBS initiative, “Public Square,” was to be launched in early 2002 but hasn’t found the necessary funding.

No federal funding cutbacks are anticipated at this point, a PBS spokeswoman said, but PBS is nonetheless trying to be prudent, should future cuts occur as the economy slows.

Separately, PBS said Jinny Goldstein, a 20-year public television veteran who oversaw the education division, is leaving for a career change. Most recently, Goldstein helped the PBS Ready to Learn program for young children secure new federal funding.