WBEZ’s union is not done fighting.

We are saddened by the news of layoffs at WBEZ and Chicago Sun-Times.

Vocalo Radio 91.1 was a special place for Latinos in Chicago. We urge our members to support those who are getting affected and to continue advocating for representation and respect in your newsrooms.

In the WBEZ Rundown newsletter, readers share their “disgust” and concern over the layoffs:

“It does not make me inclined to give knowing that priorities are to take care of the people on the top at the expense of the rank-and-file.”

❤️

We are losing many incredible colleagues at WBEZ & our sister station Vocalo. H/t to Patrick Smith for starting a GoFundMe to help. Please contribute if you can, and spread the word: tinyurl.com/58xbmaaw

I and my Nerdette Podcast colleagues are among the people laid off yesterday. there’s a lot to figure out, but we will still be making the show for a bit yet. thank you to the hundreds of people who have reached out with their support. your kind words are such a comfort.

WBEZ SAG-AFTRA leadership is deeply disappointed that Chicago Public Media has decided to lay off nine of our colleagues who create some of the station’s most lauded, well-known programs. This decision eliminates our podcast department, which includes the shows Nerdette…

I was today year’s old when I learned the outgoing CEO of WBEZ makes more per year than AFAIK any elected official or even business chamber of commerce CEO in Chicago. 😳

'Our members, of all people, recognize the realities of revenue declines in this industry. That's why we have given CPM executives chance after chance over the past year to be transparent about [CPM] finances & partner w/ us to find solutions in an attempt to avoid this moment.'

Not gonna' lie all those years of WBEZ pledge drives I've listened to hit wayyyyy different after I learned their CEO makes over $600k.

This is unacceptable, WBEZ. AND EXTREMELY SHORT-SIGHTED. It’s heartbreaking in more ways than I can name. But to brag on your growth for years and then to do this is just appalling. My friends deserved better. And this is not right.

WBEZ SAG-AFTRA said in a statement that the move 'contradicts CPM’s stated commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion — both at WBEZ and to communities of color that we serve.'
chicagobusiness.com/marketing-medi…

'The job cuts coincide with the debut of a $6.4 million, state-of-the-art studio at WBEZ’s Navy Pier office and follows a double-digit-percentage pay increase for Chicago Public Media’s top executive.'

So today I learned that Vocalo Radio 91.1 will cease radio broadcast on May 1st. I was there before it had a name. 17 years. Ayana Contreras was my gift to the city. #vocalo (which I ran for years) was my love letter. A cheerleader for our rich arts music + culture. I hope you all felt it.

Dave McKinney brings the heat. “Moog is a lame-duck CEO now overseeing those layoffs that he said wouldn’t happen, and they come after his steep increase in executive pay… Moog [makes] $633,310 – a nearly 19% increase from a year earlier.” wbez.org/stories/chicag…

The news about layoffs at WBEZ is tragic. The salt in the wound is that the CEO makes $633,310 – a nearly 19% increase from a year earlier. Sending love and solidarity to my former colleagues. You deserve better. Chicago deserves better.

It’s been a great run, but in due time watch me fly 💪🏾. S/o to everyone who has texted, DM’d, and or mentioned me. I’ll be announcing my last show date on Vocalo Radio 91.1 soon 🫶🏾

I am so stunned and so heartbroken for my talented friends and former colleagues. 💔 This is such devastating news.

Where is the accountability for the $600K/a year boss who has been charged with making sure the company doesn't hit a financial low so quickly after being healthy enough to buy the Sun-Times, to the point that he feels he has to issue layoffs?

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For years @wbez has been producing gripping and informative podcasts that invite listeners to form a deeper connection with this city. We’ll all be worse off without them.