What newsroom changes are being made at NPR?
On May 20, NPR announced changes in the newsroom to ensure the organization remains a leader in a dynamic and intensely competitive news environment, while living within its budget.
To that end, NPR made the difficult decision to end production of "Tell Me More" this summer. In addition NPR is eliminating other filled positions and unfilled positions across the News Division and in the NPR Library. All told, 28 positions will be eliminated, eight of which are currently vacant. These hard choices are part of a plan that restructures the newsroom for the future.
As NPR moves forward, its guiding principles are a newsroom that unites audio and digital storytelling capabilities; sharpens editorial focus; allows NPR to create journalism of distinction across multiple platforms; and reflects the diversity of American life. While NPR has cut positions, NPR is also creating new ones and has a number of open jobs.
Why are these changes being made?
These personnel and program changes are the result of strategic decisions about the future of NPR's Newsroom, and budgetary decisions driven by the organization's need to eliminate its deficit.
The changes reposition the newsroom to ensure it remains a leader in a dynamic and intensely competitive news environment, while living within NPR's budget.
Did NPR consider alternatives to eliminating "Tell Me More" and reducing the newsroom size?
Yes, NPR considered a wide range of possibilities. NPR leadership had conversations with potential partners for "Tell Me More," and actively sought new revenues to support it. NPR also looked at what other newsroom cuts would be needed to meet strategic and budget goals. While more could have been done over time to support "Tell Me More," ending the program was the most realistic option at this time. The mission of "Tell Me More" and Michel Martin's voice will continue to be a vital part of NPR.
How do listeners register their opinions with NPR?
You have two ways:
- Go to NPR.org and click on the "Contact Us" link, http://help.npr.org/npr/includes/customer/npr/custforms/contactus.aspx. Emails submitted there will be reviewed by the organization.
- You may also consider contacting NPR's Ombudsman, Edward Schumacher-Matos, who is the listeners' advocate. You can send a note to him via the "Contact Us" option as well.