Skip to Main Content

KET announces staff reductions in response to federal funding elimination

PressRoom

KET announces staff reductions in response to federal funding elimination

For Release: 09/04/25 12:03 PM

To help address the budget shortfall resulting from the elimination of federal funding for public broadcasting, KET regrets to announce the reduction of 22 percent of its staff through the elimination of 36 positions.

“Unfortunately, with the loss of federal funding, there is no way around the need for significant budget reductions. It is a sad but unavoidable situation for our dedicated team, and the loss will affect operations throughout the agency,” said Shae Hopkins, executive director and CEO. “However, even during this difficult time, KET remains as committed as ever to serving Kentuckians across the Commonwealth.”

Earlier this year, to help manage the impact of possible budget cuts, KET began operational changes, holding positions vacant and implementing additional cost-saving measures, and will continue to do so. Today’s action included the layoff of 15 staff members and the elimination of another 21 positions.

KET is Kentucky’s largest classroom, providing trusted programming, lifelong learning opportunities and essential services to more than two million people each week. Learn more about Kentucky’s preeminent public media organization at KET.org, on X @KET and at facebook.com/KET.

Contact:

Todd Piccirilli
Senior Director, Marketing and Communications
859-258-7242
tpiccirilli@ket.org