Christian Network to Drop 145

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — The Christian Broadcasting Network said today it will cut 145 people from its payroll and slash spending by $9 million in an attempt to balance its budget.

It was the third round of layoffs in two years for the television ministry founded by Pat Robertson, who is pursuing the Republican presidential nomination. Pledges have been dropping since 1985, the first year Robertson said publicly that he might run for President. CBN’s fall telethon raised less than $1 million--a drop from the $2.4 million pledged during the autumn 1986 fund-raiser.