MPR’s Parent Company To Lay Off Up To 8% Of Staff After State, Federal Funding Cuts

ST. PAUL, MN — American Public Media Group (APMG), the parent company of Minnesota Public Radio News and producer of dozens of nationally broadcast programs, will lay off up to 8 percent of its workforce in the coming weeks after federal and state funding cuts created a $6 million budget shortfall.

APMG employs about 500 people, including MPR staff.

The total number of staff affected by the layoffs remains unclear and will depend on several factors, the company told employees this week, MPR News reported.

"While we are fortunate among public media organizations to be in a relatively strong financial position, these are significant cuts,” APMG’s chief people and culture officer, Roycie Eppler, said in a statement.

"We shared with staff that we will be implementing cost savings, including some reductions in employee benefits and a strategic reduction in force in the coming weeks. We are working through details with care and respect and will continue to keep our team updated."

In addition to the layoffs, APMG will reduce some employee benefits to help close the deficit.

The organization reported $117 million in operating expenses in fiscal year 2023, with total revenue of $108 million.

A major factor in the shortfall is a federal budget bill that eliminated $1.1 billion previously allocated for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.

Federal funds account for roughly 6 percent of MPR's budget, according to the station.

Further cuts came at the state level. Under Minnesota’s new budget, MPR's allocation for cultural heritage and legacy programming was reduced by $1 million per year.

The station will now receive $2 million total through June 2027, down from $4 million in the previous budget.

APMG's announcement comes the same week that Twin Cities PBS (TPT) began laying off staff due to the loss of federal support.

The cuts highlight a growing financial crisis across the public media landscape as broadcasters nationwide scramble to offset steep reductions in government funding.