[as] National Public Radio in the United States is to shed 10% of its staff in an effort to close a budget deficit of $US6.1 million. About 8% of the staff were laid off in 2008.
National Public Radio in the United States is to shed 10% of its staff in an effort to close a budget deficit of $US6.1 million.
Voluntary redundancies will be offered to its 840 employees who have until 11 October to accept.
The BBC reports the budget shortfall is partly attributed to a decline in corporate grants amid the slow US economy.
National Public Radio is based in Washington DC. It reaches 27 million listeners a week through 975 member stations. NPR receives about 2% of its annual budget from federal funds, with the rest from grants, licence fees from affiliates and donations.
Revenue was projected to be $US178 million in the upcoming financial year. Spokeswoman Anna Bross told the BBC the organisation has operated under a deficit since 2009.
About 8% of the staff were laid off in 2008.
