Ocean State Media Avoids Layoffs After Employee Buyouts

PROVIDENCE, R.I. — Ocean State Media, Rhode Island’s newly merged public radio and television organization, announced it will not pursue layoffs after enough employees accepted voluntary buyouts, covering a $1.1 million budget shortfall. The shortfall arose from Congress’s elimination of federal support for public broadcasting.

In an internal email obtained by local sources, Ocean State Media President and CEO Pam Johnston shared the news with staff. This decision follows nearly a month of uncertainty, during which Johnston indicated that staffing cuts could be necessary due to funding challenges.

At least 19 employees across Rhode Island PBS and The Public’s Radio accepted the buyout package, which offered three weeks of pay for each year of service. Notable departures include Rhode Island PBS Weekly anchor Michelle San Miguel, radio host Dave Fallon, political reporter Ian Donnis, health reporter Lynn Arditi, and Chief Content Officer Sally Eisele.

Ocean State Media was formed through a merger of Rhode Island PBS and The Public’s Radio, which regulators approved in 2024. Johnston, a Massachusetts broadcast veteran, became CEO following the merger. At that time, the organization employed approximately 100 individuals.

The new entity operates The Public’s Radio on several frequencies and has future plans to expand its signals to Westerly and Block Island. Meanwhile, NPR is also navigating financial challenges as it begins its first year without federal funding, announcing budget cuts of $5 million but no layoff plans.

The increasing financial strain has affected public media nationwide. For example, Indiana’s Tri-State Public Media has laid off 20% of its staff, while Community Radio for Northern Colorado has recently cut more than a quarter of its workforce.