WFAE reduces workforce by six due to financial ‘headwinds’

WFAE in Charlotte, N.C., has reduced staff due to a variety of financial challenges, the station announced last week.

Half a dozen staffers will leave the station, according to a WFAE news article. Three were voluntary departures, CEO Ju-Don Marshall told Current in an email. 

Marshall said staff were informed Thursday of the reduction. 

“These are challenging times for WFAE and all of public media,” she said in the email to Current. “We knew coming into our fiscal year, which began July 1, that we would be facing some very difficult headwinds that would result in staff and expense reductions.”

Beyond the loss of federal funding, Marshall said philanthropic and corporate support has dwindled. 

“As is the case for many stations, the loss of CPB funding isn’t happening in isolation,” she said in the email. “Many communities are still recovering from natural disasters that have hit the Carolinas. That and the broader loss of federal support for some nonprofits that provide direct services to the community have put pressure on limited philanthropic dollars. We’ve also seen corporations scale back as a result of economic uncertainty and the legal and political minefields surrounding equity and inclusion.”

The staffing reductions affected roles throughout the organization, according to the WFAE article. 

“We are working hard to ensure that no further reductions will be necessary, but it’s too early to say,WFAE in Charlotte, N.C., has reduced staff due to a variety of financial challenges, the station announced last week.

Half a dozen staffers will leave the station, according to a WFAE news article. Three were voluntary departures, CEO Ju-Don Marshall told Current in an email. 

Marshall said staff were informed Thursday of the reduction. 

“These are challenging times for WFAE and all of public media,” she said in the email to Current. “We knew coming into our fiscal year, which began July 1, that we would be facing some very difficult headwinds that would result in staff and expense reductions.”

Beyond the loss of federal funding, Marshall said philanthropic and corporate support has dwindled. 

“As is the case for many stations, the loss of CPB funding isn’t happening in isolation,” she said in the email. “Many communities are still recovering from natural disasters that have hit the Carolinas. That and the broader loss of federal support for some nonprofits that provide direct services to the community have put pressure on limited philanthropic dollars. We’ve also seen corporations scale back as a result of economic uncertainty and the legal and political minefields surrounding equity and inclusion.”

The staffing reductions affected roles throughout the organization, according to the WFAE article. 

“We are working hard to ensure that no further reductions will be necessary, but it’s too early to say,” Marshall said in the article.

In fiscal year 2024, the station received more than $400,000 from CPB, about 5% of its revenue. Underwriting revenue has declined by about 28% since FY20, according to the station’s audited financial statements.  Marshall said in the article.

In fiscal year 2024, the station received more than $400,000 from CPB, about 5% of its revenue. Underwriting revenue has declined by about 28% since FY20, according to the station’s audited financial statements.