APMG to Lay Off Staff Amid Budget Shortfall from Cuts

RADIO ONLINE | Friday, July 25, 2025 | 3:51pm CT

Minnesota Public Radio

American Public Media Group (APMG), the parent company of Minnesota Public Radio, announced Thursday it will lay off up to 8 percent of its workforce in the coming weeks in response to a projected $6 million budget shortfall triggered by federal and state funding cuts.

The nonprofit media organization currently employs about 500 people, meaning between 25 and 40 staff members may be affected, though final numbers will depend on "multiple factors," according to leadership.

"We are working through details with care and respect," said Roycie Eppler, APMG's Chief People and Culture Officer, in a statement shared with MPR News. "We will be implementing cost savings including some reductions in employee benefits and a strategic reduction in force in the coming weeks."

Employees were informed of the upcoming layoffs during a staff meeting Thursday. In addition to staff cuts, APMG plans to reduce employee benefits to help close the budget gap.

The organization, which includes MPR News, The Current, YourClassical, and the nationally syndicated program Marketplace, had operating expenses of $117 million in fiscal year 2023, outpacing its $108 million in revenue. Although APMG draws from restricted endowment accounts, the shortfall prompted the need for deeper cuts.

The financial strain comes after a federal bill rescinded $1.1 billion in previously allocated funds for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, which contributes about 6 percent to MPR's annual budget. State lawmakers also slashed MPR's allocation for legacy and cultural programming by $1 million annually through 2027, reducing the total to $2 million over two years-half the amount provided in the previous budget.

This latest round of reductions follows earlier cuts at the organization. In April, seven positions were eliminated at Marketplace, and in June, APMG sold its BrainsOn! Universe science podcast and cut 15 additional roles.

The company expects to notify impacted employees by mid-August and will offer severance and outplacement assistance. It has not yet detailed which departments or roles will be affected.