Financially troubled KCET in Burbank axes 22 workers in ‘reorganization’
Times are tough for KCET-TV.
The former PBS outlet announced Friday that it would lay off 22 employees, or nearly one-fifth of its staff, as it completes a merger with the Bay Area satellite provider Link Media.
Now called KCETLink, the Burbank-based nonprofit entity is scrambling to reposition itself as a “transmedia” company that provides content to mobile devices and other platforms as well as televisions. The company has hired a well known PR firm, Rogers & Cowan, to help manage its image during the transition.
The harsh belt-tightening has been dictated by poor financial results. According to the most recent audited statements, KCET lost $7.4 million during the fiscal year ending June 2012 and had only about $80,000 cash on hand. The station finished the previous year with $1.5 million in cash in the bank.
-- Scott Collins, Los Angeles Times