Breaking: TVNewser has learned that the public television newscast “Worldfocus” is being canceled. Staffers were informed of the news by Neal Shapiro, President and CEO of WNET.ORG, at 3pm this afternoon.

The program is the latest victim of a tough economy.

“We demonstrated that there is a demand for international news but we had the misfortune of launching a brand new program into the teeth of the recession,” Shapiro said in a statement. Shapiro said that the organization had raised significant funds, but was a a few million dollars short of what was needed, long-term. “Given the economic environment we now face, it is not prudent to continue the broadcast at this time. It is not an easy decision but it is the right decision.”

A spokesperson tells us WNET is working to find other positions for the “Worldfocus” staff within the organization. WNET was already preparing to launch a new, multi-platform PBS series, “Need to Know” in May.

“Worldfocus” launched on October 6, 2008, and was first anchored by Martin Savidge, then Daljit Dhaliwal. It is produced by WNET in New York. The final broadcast will be April 2nd.

More: Statement from Shapiro and press release after the jump.

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Today, public television international news program “Worldfocus” celebrates its one-year anniversary. To help commemorate that milestone this morning, anchor Daljit Dhaliwal joined the mediabistro.com Morning Media Menu to discuss the current state of international journalism and to give advice to aspiring journalists. “Worldfocus” was recently nominated for two News and Doc Emmy awards.

The show was hosted by AgencySpy editor Matt Van Hoven and GalleyCat editor Jason Boog. You can listen to all the past podcasts archived at mediabistro.com or download episodes for free on iTunes.

Former CNN anchor and NBC News correspodent Martin Savidge, who’d been anchor of the PBS program “Worldfocus” moves to a special correspondent role on the show while Daljit Dhaliwal (left), a former CNN and BBC anchor, will replace Savidge as anchor beginning Aug. 31.

“Martin Savidge has been restless to get out in the field,” said Marc Rosenwasser, EP of Worldfocus. “We’re pleased to be able to add his experience and insight to our field reporting team while having Daljit Dhaliwal play a larger role at the anchor desk. However, we are relying on Martin to take some turns in the anchor chair,” Rosenwasser added.

Click continued to read the press release…

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