Peoria Magazine is pausing publication amid ongoing WTVP financial struggles

PEORIA - In the wake of revelations of financial distress, WTVP-PBS has suspended production of Peoria Magazine.

The November issue of the glossy magazine will be the last for the foreseeable future, according to a notice sent to subscribers.

The Peoria Magazine weekly email, which contained community news and announcements, will continue through the end of November. Subscribers were told they could get refunds by contacting WTVP, but to instead consider making their balance a donation to the public television station.

The suspension of the magazine, which WTVP took over in 2021, is the latest cost-cutting measure undertaken by the station since a summer audit revealed financial distress. On Oct. 13, the station announced the layoff of nine employees from all areas of operations as part of a $1.5 million reduction to the station's 2024 budget.

More: WTVP is at the center of a financial crisis. Here's what we know so far

The station has faced turmoil since the sudden death of Lesley Matuszak on Sept. 28, one day after she resigned as CEO and president of the station.

Days later, the station revealed the results of an audit of the station's finances, and alluded to the cause of WTVP's financial losses in the following statement:

"In the last 60 days, working with the station's audit firm, accountant and employees, the executive committee has accumulated work papers, documents and other financial records that provide insight into the expenditures and uses of funds at WTVP that were questionable, unauthorized or improper. We believe such expenditures have been stopped and are closely reviewing every proposed or recurring expense the station makes."

More: 'Questionable, unauthorized or improper' spending found at WTVP amid financial losses

This article originally appeared on Journal Star: Peoria Magazine suspends publication amid WTVP financial struggles