National Public Radio (NPR) is eliminating dozens of newsroom positions in an effort to adapt to an era without federal subsidies, its CEO Katherine Maher announced in a Monday memo. The move comes after the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), the private body that previously channeled federal funds from Congress to NPR, was shut down in January.
Maher stated that restructuring is necessary as the network expects to earn $15 million less in station fees this year as a result of the funding loss. 'We have made every effort to preserve the core capacity and strengths of what makes NPR different and distinct,' Maher said. 'This is never an easy choice to make, to have to cut anywhere near the newsroom.'
The exact number of cuts was not specified, but NPR officials said the station is offering buyouts to approximately 300 staffers. Layoffs would be required if fewer than 30 staffers accept the buyouts, they added. The terms of the pay packages were not disclosed.
This development is the latest setback for NPR. One of the network's hosts, Ramtin Arablouei, recently resigned after an internal investigation into his on-set behavior was launched earlier this year. Arablouei, 43, allegedly flirted with guests and a contract employee of his show, the acclaimed Throughline podcast, according to a New York Times report. An NPR spokeswoman said, 'We take allegations regarding workplace conduct seriously and are committed to maintaining a safe, respectful and professional environment for all employees,' adding that any concerns are reviewed carefully.
The deadline for remaining staffers to take buyouts before layoffs begin is this coming Tuesday, NPR officials said. Staffers within NPR's news programs, including hosts, will not be among the 300 offered buyouts.
Meanwhile, the station received two private gifts totaling $113 million in April, though most of that money is 'dedicated to technological innovation,' according to an NPR report. This follows Congress's vote last summer to reclaim $1.1 billion already committed to public media via the 'No Partisan Radio and Partisan Broadcasting Services Act.'
Months earlier, representatives questioned Maher about the lack of political diversity at NPR after filings revealed no registered Republicans among the staff, with 87 Democrats. Maher told Congress in March 2025, 'I do not believe we are politically biased. No, we are a nonpartisan organization,' but conceded the numbers were startling 'if true.'
Congress created the CPB in 1967 to transfer taxpayer money to public media outlets while shielding them from political interference. Maher argued that ending federal funding was politically motivated, noting that rural communities relying on local affiliates saw the most federal money. Federal funding accounted for only about 1 percent of NPR's annual revenue, compared to PBS's 15 percent.
