Reports of the demise of Salt Lake City-based National Public Radio correspondent Howard Berkes' career are greatly exaggerated, and he's a little perturbed about the news.

Since the story broke on Dec. 10 that NPR was cutting 64 jobs and two of its radio shows -- about 7 percent of its work force -- the blogosphere has lit up with rumors that the longtime rural affairs correspondent based in Salt Lake City was one of those laid off.

"I have not been laid off," Berkes said. "There was a blog posting that had no basis in fact." And he should know the latest news regarding the company's labor difficulties. After all, Berkes is the union steward for the American Federation of Radio and Television Artists. "I have been involved in attending the needs of those who have been laid off," he said Thursday.

NPR officials have announced that the shows "Day to Day and "News & Notes" will be canceled, and several Internet media blogs posted rumors naming Berkes as among those cut.

According to the Washington Post, some losing their jobs do include veterans Ketzel Levine, a reporter since 1977, and Vicky O'Hara, who was an editor and correspondent. "Day to Day" host Madeleine Brand and "News & Notes" host Farai Chideya also were let go.

NPR spokesperson Anna Christopher confirmed Thursday that Berges has not been laid off, calling the blog reports "complete misinformation." She added there will be no further "planned layoffs," though they will continue to evaluate the dour economic conditions through next year.

"It's really unfortunate that somebody would do something so irresponsible," Berkes said about the blog postings. "When there are people who have been laid off and trying to deal with that, it's a distraction that we don't need."

The layoffs are part of a restructuring to address a $23 million shortfall in the current fiscal year. That includes cutting jobs for reporters, producers and members of the radio network's Internet team.

Berkes became the company's rural affairs correspondent in 2003 and has covered stories including the 2002 Winter Olympics scandal and the redesign of the space shuttle booster rockets after the Challenger disaster. He has covered Western issues and public land stories for two decades, according to his company biography.

He also has served as substitute host for "Morning Edition" and "Weekend All Things Considered."