In the media industry, widespread layoffs have become a distressing but common occurrence. For those employed in public media, this threat has intensified under President Donald Trump’s administration, which has specifically targeted these organizations by slashing crucial federal support. As a result, PBS’s top executive announced on Thursday to public television leaders that the network would be cutting about 15 percent of its workforce, as reported by NPR. On that day, thirty-four staff members were notified that their positions were being eliminated, which means over 100 PBS employees have lost their jobs due to the funding cuts.

“In recent weeks, we’ve been assessing how to best handle the impact of the federal funding cuts. Like every public media outlet in the nation, we’re compelled to make difficult decisions,” PBS Chief Executive Paula Kerger stated in a memo to station managers. “Although our Foundation has made some strides, including securing a substantial grant from a major donor for our NewsHour and children’s programming, we realize that significant staffing and operational changes are necessary.”

Following persistent efforts by the Trump administration to undermine public media, Congress approved a $1.1 billion cut in federal support for this sector. Consequently, the Corporation For Public Broadcasting is set to shut down by the end of this month. According to NPR, PBS and its affiliate stations generally receive 15% of their annual budget from the Corporation For Public Broadcasting. This has forced individual stations to find ways to manage budget shortfalls that vary from $100,000 to $1 million. As local PBS stations usually bear the cost of programming and other services from PBS, the network has moved to lower the annual fees it charges. Kerger recently informed CBS News that the average fee reduction is 15 percent, with stations in greater need receiving more substantial reductions, including one station that had half of its dues for the next year waived.

Local public broadcasters are also experiencing layoffs, but fundraising initiatives are being launched nationwide to help bridge the financial gaps. Although the surge in donor support has been encouraging, Kerger and others are worried about future sustainability. “I am a realist,” Kerger told CBS News. “I have to acknowledge that some vulnerable stations might not survive.”