Prairie Public Television has laid off 12 staff members as it begins its new fiscal year, cutting seven employees and eliminating five open positions, which amounts to about 18 percent of its workforce.
CEO John Harris said the move was necessary after Prairie Public lost about $2 million in annual revenue following federal funding cuts and reductions in the state budget. This amounted to a 25 percent decline in revenue.
Despite the cuts, Harris emphasized the organization’s commitment to keeping all transmitters online and continuing to serve North Dakota communities with the resources available.