NJ PBS hit with layoffs following state and federal funding cuts
NJ PBS, the state network operated by the WNET Group in New York, is laying off an unspecified number of employees following cuts to both state and federal funding.
“We are facing a financial situation that requires us to make the painful decision to reduce the size of the NJ Spotlight News team,” said WNET CEO Neal Shapiro in an email to staff that was obtained by Current. “This is not a reflection of anyone’s performance or dedication. The scope of the funding loss simply leaves us no choice.”
NJ PBS had roughly 38 employees in its newsroom before the layoffs. Shapiro’s memo did not specify how many employees would be affected by the cuts.
A NJ PBS employee who requested anonymity because they were not authorized to speak to Current estimated that around 11 employees were affected: an on-air reporter, a digital reporter, a producer, a manager, two members of the graphic team, two editors on a team that edits in-studio interviews, and three camera workers.
“While streamlining operations, we are strategizing towards a sustainable, multiplatform, more digital-forward future,” NJ PBS said in a statement provided by a spokesperson. “We remain committed to providing New Jersey with news and content as we have for the past 14 years, on-air and online.”
The layoffs follow the vote in Congress to rescind fiscal year 2026 and 2027 federal funding to CPB. CPB will begin winding down operations Sept. 30. NJ PBS received approximately $1.69 million in FY24 from CPB, about 15% of its total revenue.
In addition, the FY26 state budget signed by Gov. Phil Murphy June 30 reduced funding for NJ PBS to $250,000 to NJ PBS, down from $1 million the previous year. According to NJ PBS’ FY24 990 form, the most recent available, the station had a $56,000 deficit and brought in nearly $11.5 million in revenue.
NJ PBS has faced financial difficulties over the past year and a half. Last year, the WNET Group laid off employees and restructured staff, affecting 34 positions. Those positions included an unspecified number of employees at NJ Spotlight News, which WNET acquired in 2019. In March, NJ PBS laid off an additional seven NJ Spotlight News employees.
Stations that have announced layoffs since July include PBS North Carolina, American Public Media Group, GBH, KQED, WQED, TPT, WKAR and WFIT.
