American Public Media Group plans layoffs amid $6M deficit

American Public Media Group is planning layoffs and other cost-saving measures due to a budget gap caused by state and federal funding cuts, the organization told staff Thursday. 

“While we are fortunate among public media organizations to be in a relatively strong financial position, these are significant cuts,” Chief People & Culture Officer Roycie Eppler said in a statement. 

The organization’s budget deficit is $6 million for the fiscal year that began July 1, according to the statement. 

APMG, the parent organization of Minnesota Public Radio and Southern California Public Radio, is planning to lay off 5% to 8% of staff, according to an MPR News article. The organization did not confirm that number in its statement. 

“We are working through details with care and respect and will continue to keep our team updated,” the statement said. 

The staff reduction is expected “in the coming weeks,” along with cost-saving initiatives such as a reduction of staff benefits, according to the statement.

The organization’s budget hole comes from the loss of CPB funding and cuts to state funding. MPR receives support through the state’s Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund. That funding was reduced from about $4 million in FY24–25 to $2 million in FY26–27.

Earlier this year, the organization announced it would cut 15 positions and look to sell Brains On!, its popular podcast for kids. APMG cut six positions last year as part of a restructuring of APM Studios. 

“While we work through these financial challenges, we remain dedicated to our public service mission,” the statement said.