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KCRW Cuts 10% of Staff as Veteran DJs Exit in Latest Restructuring

Station leaders cite shifting listening habits alongside a loss of federal funding.

Overview

  • KCRW confirmed a 10% workforce reduction in a memo from president Jennifer Ferro sent to members on Oct. 17.
  • Longtime music hosts Jason Kramer, Jeremy Sole and José Galván said on social media that they were among those laid off, after the memo did not name departing staff.
  • A revised schedule will roll out in the coming weeks, with new DJs and Elvis Mitchell’s The Treatment moving inside Weekend Edition Saturday.
  • Ferro framed the cuts as positioning the station for changing media consumption and reduced federal dollars, following earlier buyouts, a $3 million deficit and prior layoffs.
  • Financial filings shared with Current show KCRW received nearly $1.3 million in CPB grants in fiscal 2024, even as the station cites pressure from declining federal support.