MPBN cuts 'MaineWatch' program, lays off 10 people

Maine Public Broadcasting Network cuts 'MaineWatch' program, lays off 10 people

Associated Press

PORTLAND, Maine (AP) -- Maine Public Broadcasting Network says it's laying off 10 employees because of funding reductions and lower public donations.

CEO and President Mark Volgelzang says $260,000 in mandated federal budget cuts along with state budget cuts and lower-than-expected donations are to blame.

Most of the layoffs will be drawn from a video production unit. The weekly news show "Maine Watch" will be on hiatus through the spring and summer.

MPBN is the latest agency in Maine to feel the sting from $85 billion in mandated federal budget cuts known as "sequestration."