• The Washington Post, Thursday, December 11, 2008 9:18 AM

National Public Radio will pare back its once-flourishing operations, instituting its first organization-wide layoffs in 25 years. It will also ax two daily programs: "Day to Day," aimed at younger listeners, and "News & Notes," an interview show designed for African Americans.

All four of NPR's major funding sources have taken hits, especially underwriting, which is the public broadcasting equivalent of advertising. Underwriting accounts for about one-third of NPR's budget. The layoffs affect about 7% of the workforce, including reporters, producers, researchers and digital employees.

Until very recently, NPR seemed immune to the shrinking economy. It finished its last fiscal year in September on budget, with executives projecting revenue growth and new hires. Its signature daily news shows "Morning Edition" and "All Things Considered," have remained popular, reaching about 26 million listeners per week.

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