PBS NC Starts Voluntary Separation Program, Freezes Hiring in Response to Federal Cuts

 In its latest move to limit expenses following the nearly $9 million in funding cuts approved by Congress, PBS NC is making voluntary separation offers to staff.

On Tuesday, the Public Broadcasting Service of North Carolina said the offers will be available to “most permanent employees” and come as part of the organization’s Reorganization Through Reduction (RTR) program.

In a release, PBS NC said this step of voluntary separation is designed to minimize the scope of any potential staff reductions that would be involuntary.

David Crabtree, CEO of PBS North Carolina said plainly in the announcement: “We did not create this—it was dictated by Congress.” Further, Crabtree said, “Nonetheless, we will play the hand we’re dealt and pledge to continue to be good stewards of our budgets.”

In July, Congress passed a rescission bill eliminating previously approved federal funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, forcing CPB to wind down its operations. For PBS North Carolina, this action translates into an annual loss of $4.8 million—support that has been instrumental to providing educational programming and critical emergency communications infrastructure.

In addition to these offers to separate from the organization, PBS NC said it has also implemented a hiring freeze, made reductions in non-personnel expenses and has eliminated any vacant positions.

In its announcement, PBS NC once again reassured the public that amid these financial challenges, the organization remains “steadfast in its mission to provide trusted, high-quality public media that educates, informs and inspires while serving as the backbone of NC’s Emergency Management’s statewide infrastructure.”

Written by Ashley Anderson