Newseum Facing Financial Woes, Staff Cuts

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Newseum has become a major Washington attraction with 4 million people visiting its exhibits about journalism and the First Amendment — yet it's been struggling mightily almost every year to cover its costs.

An Associated Press analysis of the nonprofit's public financial documents shows the Newseum has been losing millions each year between 2009 and 2011. Faced with losses, the Newseum has imposed four rounds of staff layoffs.

The Newseum is Washington's most expensive museum, charging $22 for adults in a city full of free galleries and attractions that receive taxpayer support. Still, revenue has been falling short.

Now the Newseum is reorganizing its educational programs in order to reach more people, become more efficient and to create more fundraising potential around its First Amendment initiatives.