Ax comes down at Minnesota Public Radio

Chris Roberts/ MPR

Earlier this month, an internal memo hinted: Layoffs were imminent at Minnesota Public Radio.

On Thursday, MPR laid off nine journalists and said two empty positions would not be filled, a 13 percent cut in one of the state's largest news organizations.

The company, a unit of St. Paul-based American Public Media, told employees in a memo earlier this month that job cuts were under consideration.

A spokeswoman declined to identify who was laid off. Others said that veteran arts reporter Chris Roberts was among the group.

The changes are "part of a series of decisions to reallocate our human and financial resources within our organization," the spokeswoman said. "While some of these changes are difficult, we believe the steps we are taking will ensure that MPR News remains a relevant, vital and trusted source of news and information for the people we serve."

She said MPR plans to invest more in investigative and enterprise reporting, long-term editorial priorities and on-demand services. It was unclear whether that will eventually translate to new jobs.

Chris Worthington, who has served as managing editor for MPR News for nine years, will move into a new role as managing editor and editor-in-chief of a newly formed investigations and documentary unit.

Mike Reszler, MPR's vice president for innovation and digital strategy and content, was named interim head of MPR News. A national search for a permanent head of MPR News is underway.

American Public Media earlier this month sold Classical South Florida, a group of three FM stations.