KCET-TV Lays Off 22 in Reorganization

Since splitting with PBS in 2010, the non-profit organization has merged with Link Media

KCET-TV has laid off 22 employees in the wake of its merger with Link Media.

The Burbank based independent television station, which split with PBS in 2010, said on Friday that it cut the positions as part of a reorganization intended to help it compete in the rapidly changing media landscape.

Also read: After 40 Years, KCET Cuts Loose From PBS

The station, which merged with Bay area-based Link four months ago, has struggled financially since its split with PBS.

According to its most recent audited statement, the station lost $7.4 million during the fiscal year ending June 2012. 

"These are challenging and transformational times that require us to make difficult financial and operational decisions for the continued health of the organization in order to create a public media organization that can grow in the 21st Century," KCETLink's CEO Al Jerome in a statement.

He said the company has "to factor digital innovation into every decision moving forward." The company is focused on transmedia programming on web and mobile platforms in addition to traditional TV.

KCET has not yet responded to TheWrap's request for comment.

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