KET, Kentucky’s statewide public television network, announced a 22% reduction in its workforce on Thursday, including 15 employee layoffs.
“Unfortunately, with the loss of federal funding, there is no way around the need for significant budget reductions,” Shae Hopkins, KET’s executive director and CEO said in a statement. “It is a sad but unavoidable situation for our dedicated team, and the loss will affect operations throughout the agency.”
In July, Republicans in Congress, at President Donald Trump’s urging, eliminated funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and rescinded more than $1 billion that Congress already had approved for public broadcasters such as KET.
At the time, KET said $4.2 million from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting had paid for the majority of its local productions and 25% of its workforce.
The staff cuts announced Thursday include the layoff of 15 individuals. The network also eliminated another 21 positions that had been held vacant in anticipation of possible federal funding cuts.
After the reduction in force, KET’s workforce will number 122.
In the news release, Hopkins said “even during this difficult time, KET remains as committed as ever to serving Kentuckians across the commonwealth.”
KET had an operating budget of $28.9 million in fiscal year 2024, according to its annual report, with state general funds providing the largest share, 59%. The Corporation for Public Broadcasting provided 13% of the operating funds while 14% came from private donors and another 14% from grants and other sources.
