Re: Staying Resilient in Trying Times (fwd)

[robert <http://dummy.us.eu.org/robert>]

 > From: Noelle <noelle>
 > Date: Mon, 10 Aug 2020 17:00:03 -0700 (PDT)
 >
 > 20 will be laid off

Have you figured out all the names yet?

 >  > From: "Michael Isip" <http://www.email.kqed.org/~newsletter>
 >  > Date: Mon, 10 Aug 2020 17:31:57 -0600
 >  >  
 >  > Dear Friends, 
 >  > 
 >  > We continue to live in harrowing times. The widespread hope was that the 
 >  > spread of COVID-19 would be under control by now and that state and local 
 >  > plans for a phased transition would be completed. This hasn&rsquo;t happened 
 >  > and uncertainty has turned to stark reality. 
 >  > 
 >  > Over the last several months, I&rsquo;ve learned that crises bring clarity 
 >  > about what&rsquo;s truly important. In these moments, essential needs are 
 >  > food, water, shelter, and safety, but also trusted information and quality 
 >  > programming, which we deliver. And our values of empathy, respect, courage 
 >  > and independence guide our work and differentiate us from a confusing media 
 >  > landscape. 
 >  > 
 >  > KQED exists to serve community needs; our role is more important than ever. 
 >  > However, this unprecedented time is stretching us and forcing us to adjust, 
 >  > focus and call on our resilience. 
 >  > 
 >  > To address financial challenges caused by the pandemic, we&rsquo;ve put a 
 >  > plan into place that prepares us for the economic downturn. We expect the 
 >  > corporate sponsorship revenue shortfall that began in March to continue well 
 >  > into 2021. We also anticipate that as the recession continues some of our 
 >  > members may need to reduce their contribution or stop supporting KQED. We 
 >  > identified a number of cost-saving measures, including: deep cuts in 
 >  > discretionary spending; no annual increases for staff; furlough days for 
 >  > staff who are not part of our core news and broadcast services; and a 
 >  > reduction in compensation for senior leadership. Unfortunately, we had to do 
 >  > more.
 >  > 
 >  > Today I share the difficult news that we said farewell to some KQED 
 >  > employees. 20 individuals, representing 5.5% of our staff, will have their 
 >  > employment with KQED end in September. We feel deeply for our colleagues who 
 >  > have devoted themselves to KQED and to serving the Bay Area. It was a 
 >  > privilege to work with them and we&rsquo;re grateful for their years of 
 >  > service. We&rsquo;ve done our best to take care of them with financial 
 >  > support and health benefits during their transition.
 >  > 
 >  > In assessing our financial priorities, we grounded ourselves in our mission 
 >  > to inform, inspire and involve. We&rsquo;ll still broadcast 24/7 on radio 
 >  > and television and provide the programming you count on. We&rsquo;ll deliver 
 >  > stellar local, statewide and national election coverage. We&rsquo;re 
 >  > committed to providing up-to-date COVID-19 information and resources and 
 >  > filling educational gaps for at-home learning. Additionally, we&rsquo;ll 
 >  > create more digital products and services such as podcasts, email 
 >  > newsletters and video series to engage new audiences. We&rsquo;ll also 
 >  > convene virtual events to spark spirited and fruitful dialogue and maintain 
 >  > personal connection. Finally, we&rsquo;ll make investments in diversity, 
 >  > equity and inclusion plus the right infrastructure, tools and systems
 >  >  so our staff can thrive and better serve you.
 >  > 
 >  > KQED is fortunate and grateful to serve one of the most civically and 
 >  > culturally vibrant regions in the world. Even in these extreme circumstances,
 >  >  I&rsquo;m inspired because I&rsquo;ve seen the very best of all of us. KQED 
 >  > staff have adapted in creative ways to serve our community. In return, our 
 >  > community continues to step up for KQED and support our work. Together 
 >  > we&rsquo;ve taken responsibility to care for one another because it&rsquo;s 
 >  > our collective responsibility to ensure that the Bay Area emerges better and 
 >  > stronger. We need community more than ever.  
 >  > 
 >  > Thank you for your steadfast commitment and loyal dedication to KQED.
 >  > 
 >  > Michael Isip
 >  > 
 >  > President & CEO, KQED