Employees of the joint organization that operates The Public’s Radio and Rhode Island PBS are being offered voluntary buyouts due to the recent loss of $1.1 million in annual federal funding.

“This is a significant and painful cut, and it’s not unique to us here in Rhode Island — it’s reshaping public media organizations across the country,” Pam Johnston, president/CEO of the joint public media organization, wrote in an email Wednesday following an afternoon meeting with employees.

The deadline for enrolling in the buyout is Sept. 5. If it doesn’t attract enough participation, layoffs may be necessary, Johnston said.

“In response to the government defunding,” Johnston wrote, “we have scrutinized our budget and reduced expenses wherever possible while navigating the complexities of our m

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