Minnesota Public Radio cuts staff, trims budget

ST. PAUL, Minn. -- Minnesota Public Radio, one of the largest public radio networks, will cut jobs from its staff and trim back its current year's budget.

MPR President Bill Kling said the network's budget will grow by 6 percent in the 2002 fiscal year instead of 15 percent as originally expected. The 2002 fiscal year began last July.

Up to 13 people were being cut from a work force of around 350. Even so, the staff will have 15 more jobs than the network had in fiscal year 2001, which ended June 30.

"Like all media companies here and nationally, we are feeling the effects of the recession because of an extreme reduction in advertising budgets," Kling said.

MPR does not accept regular advertising, but it does get revenue from businesses who underwrite programs and are mentioned on the air.

MPR, known for "A Prairie Home Companion" and other popular productions, said it still plans a major expansion of its St. Paul headquarters and production facility.

MPR has 31 stations in Minnesota and surrounding states and nearly 87,000 paying members, more than any community-supported public radio network in the country.