In a Thursday (6/11) entry at Broadcasting & Cable magazine’s website, broadcastingcable.com, John Eggerton reports, “The Public Broadcasting Service Thursday instituted new staff cutbacks, as well as temporary reductions in salaries and benefits. It is all part of trying to close a $3.4 million budget deficit in 2010, according to a PBS source, who said the cutbacks were announced at a staff meeting. PBS stations have been hit hard by the financial crisis. PBS has cut about 10% of its workforce in the past six months via layoffs and unfilled positions…. Starting July 1, which is the beginning of PBS’ 2010 fiscal year, salaries of all non-union workers—essentially all but technicians, said the source—will get a 3.85% reduction pay for six months. In addition, pay raises have been cancelled.” Eggerton writes that the staff cuts, along with other cuts, such as 6-month reduced contributions to retirement benefits, will get PBS about halfway to the $3.4 million total. “The ‘plan going forward’ was for the benefits and salaries to return to current levels after six months, but the employees were also told that PBS would need to manage the financial situation ‘dynamically.’ ”
Posted June 12, 2009
