Recession Hits Sesame Street

Sesame Workshop, the nonprofit producer of “Sesame Street” and other kids’ programs, says it’s cutting 20 percent of its work force because of the recession.

The company says it’s eliminating 67 of 355 staff positions. Best known as the home of such characters as Big Bird and Elmo, Sesame Workshop was founded in 1968 and debuted “Sesame Street” a year later. That series, which remains on the air, grew into a production empire including TV, books and online programing.