Photo Credit score: KCRW
Santa Monica public radio establish KCRW is in a budget crunch, parting ways with a dozen staffers and ending the favored podcast ‘Elevated LA.’
Host Steve Chiotakis took to Twitter (X) to snarl the closing episode of the level to he helped develop will air on Thursday, citing “administration ending it after nearly 5 years.” Chiotakis thanked his followers, announcing “I’m so grateful for the time we had, the excellent these that helped establish it together, and all of the ears that listened. Thank you for all the pieces!”
The Los Angeles Times stories that Chiotakis’ departure comes amid voluntary departures as KCRW tightens its budget strings—ousting several authorized broadcasters within the job. Anthony Valadez and Janaya Williams are two who will exit. The file also suggests greater than a dozen staffers have authorized buyout capabilities provided by the establish.
The Times says the tip of ‘Elevated LA’ used to be discussed Wednesday morning in a workers memo despatched by KCRW Chief Divulge Officer Arnie Seipel. Seipel says no matter maintaining tales that affect Angelenos within the neighborhood, the level to has struggled to acquire a “sustainable viewers on broadcast or digital platforms.” The work will mute be readily available digitally and for now, ‘Great LA’ is the correct program on KCRW that has obtained the ax.
“These adjustments are mighty, but as well the correct manner to ensure KCRW can continue delivering on our mission in an an increasing sort of competitive media atmosphere,” KCRW administration acknowledged in a assertion made to the Times. “We’re grateful to each person who selected the chance to pursue a obvious direction, and we are brooding concerning the manner forward for this spacious establish.”
KCRW has an annual operating budget of around $23 million, relying on member contributions, sponsorships, and studio bookings to promote their initiatives. After a budget defict ballooned to $3 million in December 2023, workers have been provided buyouts. KCRW says it suffered from a pullback in movie studio selling for the interval of the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes, which lasted from Might well well also merely 2023 to November 2023.
