WTCI cuts staff due to funds cuts By Michele Dula Baum Tlie Chattanooga Times Dwindling funds are causing WTCI-G'hannel 45’s staff to fade out "We’re walking a financial tightrope,” said Victor Hogstrom, president and general manager of .the local public-tclevision station. "Right now, we’re behind by close to $100,000." WTCl’s vice president for develop- ment, Nancy Linnemann, was laid oft. Also, about fivejvacant positiQiis. will not be filled, Hogstrom added. "We’re doubling up and taking on new responsibilities," said the sta tion manager. In addition to the development vacancy, the station is also without a production manager, maintenance engineer and several other-production positions. ‘The station has suffered a 41 per cent cut in federal and state funding, and when you add inllation and high er programming costs, it gets worse." said Hogstrom. 'This is very critical now " The staff reorganization is neces sary' to avoid programming cuts, he said The station als„o is being squeezed by mandated-upgrades to atl-chgital equipment within five years, said board Chairman Paul Starnes. “We’re a service industiy,” he said. JThaonlyAvay-wacan-do-any-kincLot adjustment is by realigning posi tions." WTCI must raise about $1.2 mil lion of its annual $2 millton budget locally, said. Hogstrom The station asked for additional money from both the city and county this year. "We’ve beet) (tying to make it tip, but it’s getting more difficult." Hogstrom said