PITTSBURGH — In response to the recent elimination of federal funding for public broadcasting, WQED Multimedia has taken steps to ensure its long-term financial stability, including laying off 19 employees—primarily in its Marketing, Membership, and Production departments.
“This was a very difficult decision,” said Jason Jedlinski, WQED’s President and CEO.
“We value the contributions of every departing colleague and thank them for their commitment, creativity, and meaningful service.”
WQED is offering financial support to affected employees, including severance and continued company-paid benefits through the end of the calendar year, to assist with their transitions.
Beyond the direct loss of $1.8 million annually, WQED is preparing to absorb new expenses—such as music licenses that were previously paid for by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. Grants from other federal agencies have been suspended, and WQED must also address long-deferred repairs and neglected infrastructure needs that have become critical.
WQED’s leadership, supported by WQED’s Board of Directors, remains committed to ensuring the station’s long-term financial health. WQED has maintained a debt-free status for the past eight years and plans to continue this prudent approach.
“As I’ve said, ‘WQED is not going anywhere,’” Jedlinski continued. “We will continue broadcasting PBS shows, even though the national schedule will inevitably change. We will continue sharing classical music and celebrating this region’s remarkable cultural scene as southwestern Pennsylvania’s Voice of the Arts. We will continue educating and inspiring learners of all ages with free, trusted, and accessible content.”
Producing original television programs is expensive. For more than 20 years, the cost of WQED’s local productions has exceeded the revenue they’ve brought in.
“Rather than scale back our impact, we’re adapting how we deliver on our mission,” Jedlinski said. “We’ll increasingly use our platforms to amplify the stories and voices of our communities. Colleges, museums, performing arts organizations, social service agencies, and sports teams have eagerly offered content that deepens our pride in this place we call home. WQED can help connect them to new and broader audiences.”
In many ways, this is a return to WQED’s roots. Volunteers founded America’s first community-supported television station in 1953, with the belief that new technology could be used to connect and strengthen communities. It was that spirit of experimentation that led to The High School of the Air, and thousands of steelworkers earning the equivalent of a GED by watching algebra, chemistry, and English classes on channel 13. That’s how we got The Children’s Corner, Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, and educational television for adults, too.
“We specifically hired Jason to usher in a new era of enhanced service that meets the evolving needs of Pittsburgh and the broader region,” said Jonathan Rosenson, Chair of WQED’s Board of Directors. “We have full confidence in his vision and fully support the difficult decisions he is making to protect WQED’s future.”
Over the past year, public media organizations in cities including Boston; Chicago; Kansas City, Mo.; Lansing, Mich.; Los Angeles; Louisville, Ky.; Madison, Wis.; Minneapolis; New York City; San Francisco; and Seattle have also laid off staff. With the loss of federal support, the survival of smaller and rural stations is at even greater risk.
“To ensure WQED endures not just for 20 years—but 50, and another 70—we must find new ways to become more relevant to more people,” Jedlinski said. “The organization may become smaller, in terms of revenue and employees, but our impact and service must expand.”
To learn more about WQED’s evolving initiatives or to support its mission during this critical transition, visit wqed.org.