New York Public Radio to Cut 21 Full-Time Roles

The organization, which encompasses the classical station WQXR, will also close two of its longstanding programs

New York Public Radio recently announced that it would eliminate the equivalent of 21 full-time jobs — or 7% of its workforce — as a response to various financial pressures.

In addition to the job cuts, the organization will also close down two of its longstanding programs. New Sounds, which has been running since 1982, will close unless NYPR can locate philanthropic support for it between now and May. New Standards will be shut down entirely.

NYPR's President and CEO, LaFontaine Oliver, said that the cuts have come about following a reduction of $1.5 million in the organization's operating costs. The present cuts follow two other recent sets of layoffs, with 14 employees losing their jobs in September 2024 and a 12% workforce reduction the year before that.

NYPR's assets include the WNYC news station and WNYC studios, the Gothamist local news website, the classical music station WQXR, New Jersey Public Radio, and the Jerome L. Greene Performance Space.

"These staffing reductions have taken place against the backdrop of a dynamic media and political environment that has demanded of us much change and adaptability," said LaFontaine Oliver, New York Public Radio President and CEO. "I know it hasn’t been easy, and I wish things were different.”

"We hold a singular place on the local media landscape, and that’s a privilege and a responsibility," he continued. "These actions are necessary. They bring the organization into a financially sustainable position precisely so that this work can continue."