KSTP to cut 18 from newsroom

KSTP
The KSTP-TV building is located on the border between Minneapolis and St. Paul. The dividing line between the two cities bisects the front door of the building on University Ave.
MPR Photo/Bill Alkofer

Another local newsroom is cutting its staff.

KSTP television is expected to announce the layoffs of 18 people in its newsroom Friday. The cuts include investigative reporter Kristi Piehl, who recently won a regional Emmy Award for her work.

"They told me that it was out of their control, that it's rough economic times and they're laying off people and I was one of those people," Piehl said.

The other jobs cuts reportedly include producers and photographers.

Piehl, whose contract ends in February, said she's going to finish a project she's been working on and that it will likely be her last project for KSTP.

It was a tough week for Minnesota newsrooms. The Star Tribune said it wanted to eliminate 25 newsroom jobs through buy-outs or lay-offs.

Also this week, the Brainerd Dispatch cut 10 workers, the St. Cloud Times reduced its news staff by 23 people, and WCCO radio laid off two on-air reporters.