NPR will end production of its midday program “Tell Me More” on Aug. 1 and eliminate 28 jobs across the newsroom in an effort to close a $6 million deficit, the public broadcaster said on Tuesday.
The seven-year-old program, which is hosted by Michel Martin, was meant to attract African-Americans and other listeners of color. A little more than a week ago, NPR’s board adopted a strategic plan including a mandate to expand diversity and hired a new chief executive, Jarl Mohn, who promised a similar focus on appealing to more diverse audiences. But the board had also previously directed management to end the budget deficit by the end of the fiscal year on Sept. 30.
The seven-year-old program, which is hosted by Michel Martin, was meant to attract African-Americans and other listeners of color. A little more than a week ago, NPR’s board adopted a strategic plan including a mandate to expand diversity and hired a new chief executive, Jarl Mohn, who promised a similar focus on appealing to more diverse audiences. But the board had also previously directed management to end the budget deficit by the end of the fiscal year on Sept. 30.