Radio stations across California are under growing financial pressure as federal public broadcasting cuts and falling advertising revenue force layoffs and budget reductions. Public stations are being hit by the loss of government support, while commercial outlets are struggling with advertising moving to digital platforms.
In California, about 35 stations from San Diego to Hoopa in Humboldt County have lost critical funding after Congress withdrew $1.1 billion from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, according to CalMatters. Smaller stations have been especially vulnerable: Eureka’s PBS affiliate KEET-TV lost $847,000, nearly half its operating budget, while Mendocino-based NPR member station KZYX lost 25% of its budget, or $174,000, and laid off its news director.
The strain is also severe at Sacramento’s CapRadio. The station has faced a failed downtown relocation project and allegations that former general manager Jun Reina misused funds for luxury travel, fine dining and home renovations. CapRadio said the problems have left it with about $10 million in debt, and the station has also dealt with staff cuts and other cost reductions.
Elsewhere, California’s larger public media organizations are also tightening budgets. KQED in San Francisco announced 45 layoffs and 12 voluntary departures, a 15% staff reduction, as it faced a $12 million deficit. Station leaders say the cuts should significantly reduce the shortfall, but the broader financial outlook for California radio remains uncertain.
