STATESIDE

Even Big Bird has problems. A cash shortage at Sesame Street has forced a 12 per cent staff cut. The popular children's show will lose 47 employees this week.

Sesame Street is produced by a charitable trust for public television. The Republicans have passed big cuts in the public television budget. These are being passed on to programmes. The dismissed staff have been offered "long-term" career counselling.

Big Bird would not return calls.