KQED to Cut 15% of Staff Amid $12 Million Deficit

RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, July 16, 2025 | 4:39pm CT

KQED-FM in San Francisco

Public Radio KQED-FM in San Francisco is laying off 15% of its workforce -- cutting 57 jobs and leaving 10 positions unfilled -- as it contends with a $12 million budget deficit. The move, announced this week, marks the San Francisco public media nonprofit's third round of layoffs in five years. Leadership says the cuts will shrink the deficit by 90% heading into next year.

The organization is also suspending retirement contributions and freezing salary increases, pending union negotiations. Among those departing are four senior leaders, including Chief DEI Officer Eric Abrams, whose exit raised concern among staff amid political pressure to roll back diversity programs.

KQED's education department and digital video team are among the hardest hit. The popular Youth Takeover program will end, and acclaimed science series Deep Look will be scaled back. The newsroom will lose six staffers, with two taking voluntary buyouts.

KQED's financial troubles stem from years of growth, a $94 million facility upgrade, and slower-than-expected revenue. Further pressure comes from efforts by the Trump administration to cut federal funding for public media, which provided KQED $7.6 million last year.

Despite strong listener support, declining corporate sponsorship and flat grant funding continue to strain the station. Leadership says the reorganization is aimed at preserving KQED's core mission, with a renewed focus on local news.