Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/754215
Broadcast News S taff members at KNBR AM 680/1050 in San Francisco, represented by SAG-AFTRA, have voted overwhelmingly to ratify their first contract from parent company Cumulus Media. The new contract, which runs through the fall of 2019, includes minimum pay for each covered position, annual increases, vacation and holiday benefits, and a grievance and arbitration procedure. "I am extremely proud of my fellow broadcasters who risked so much for the benefit of all of us," said local broadcast legend and San Francisco-Northern California Local Emeritus Board member Belva Davis. The union election took place in November of 2014. The bargaining team began a contract campaign in May of 2016 with weekly actions. This included a letter to the Cumulus CEO, a press conference, two videos, a San Francisco Board of Supervisors resolution of support, leadership engagement from the SAG-AFTRA San Francisco-Northern California Board and the National Board, newspaper and online articles, and in-person activism at various events. SAG-AFTRA represents thousands of media professionals across the country, including those working in Northern California at radio stations KBLX-FM, KCBS-AM, KGO-AM, KISQ-FM, KLLC-FM, KOIT-FM, KSFO-AM and KQED-FM, and television stations KBCW, KDTV, KFSN, KGO, KPIX, KQED, KRON, KSEE, KTVU and TTWN. SAN FRANCISCO'S KNBR RADIO STAFF GETS FIRST CONTRACT SPANISH-LANGUAGE BROADCASTERS IN THE SPOTLIGHT The National Spanish Language Media Committee hosted a panel on Spanish and English language radio and television broadcast careers at SAG-AFTRA Plaza in Los Angeles on Oct. 22. The panel, which covered trends, challenges and opportunities in the industry, was moderated by Gabriela Teissier of Univision/ KMEX24 and featured panelists Anabel Muñoz (KABC7), Bel Hernández (LatinHeat.com), Oswaldo Borraez (Univision/ KMEX34), Elizabeth Aguilera (former KPCC Health Reporter) and Sandra Peña (SBS Mega). The panel was followed by a Q&A and a networking session. Campaign videos such as this helped secure KNBR staff members their first contract.