New York Public Radio, the operators of Public News/Talk 820 WNYC/93.9 WNYC-FM New York and Classical 105.9 WQXR Newark NJ among others in the New York City metropolitan area cut 18 staffers, moved three from full-time to part-time roles and eliminated seven vacant positions on Tuesday.
The organization also will stop stop contributing to the company’s 403(b) retirement plan matching program. NYPR President/CEO LaFontaine Oliver said that the cuts will lead to consolidation of leadership in multiple departments with Development and Membership under one leader and Audience, Design, Engineering and Product and Marketing teams under one division. NYPR is also eliminating the Chief Content Officer position at both WNYC and WQXR. WNYC has had the position vacant since Andrew Golis exited in September 2023, while Edward Yim will depart from that role at WQXR.
WNYC will also cancel its Saturday night Adult Standards program “New Standards” hosted by Paul Cavalconte, which also had a dedicated stream with a second Sunday afternoon show, while the new music show “New Sounds” hosted by John Schaefer will end on May 31 if a new sponsor or station cannot be found. Schaefer and producer Caryn Havlik have helmed the show since 1982 with Schaefer writing, “There IS a sliver of hope: Just as they did with Death, Sex & Money, the team here is actively working to find a new major philanthropic funder or a new home for New Sounds. I really hope that works out, but I also have to be realistic and if we’re not successful, the show will end on May 31, and longtime producer Caryn Havlik and I will be leaving WNYC. Our 43-year journey in New Sounds will be over.”
The layoffs represent about eight percent of New York Public Radio’s staff. It previously eliminated 14 positions in 2021, 20 in 2023 and 26 last September.
