Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1538243
sagaftra.org | Summer 2025 | SAG -AF TR A 29 S AG-AFTRA broadcast members in New York took a short break from the nonstop news cycle in early May to spend a few valuable hours connecting with their fellow union members. The lively happy hour event, hosted by the New York Local Broadcast Steering Committee, gave members an opportunity to network and build solidarity with their SAG-AFTRA colleagues. Local broadcast members shared their experiences and perspectives on a range of pertinent issues shaping the industry. Key topics of conversation included the impact of staffing changes at stations and the increasing reliance of companies on freelance workers, the growing presence and implications of artificial intelligence in production, and the paramount importance of ensuring safety for those working in the field. The happy hour served as a safe space for an open exchange of ideas and a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing SAG-AFTRA's broadcast membership in the New York Local. Members were joined by local SAG-AFTRA leaders and staff as well as Chief Broadcast Officer Mary Cavallaro and Chief Labor Policy Officer & New York Local Executive Director Rebecca Damon. E very Wednesday, members at Oregon Public Broadcasting wear their SAG-AFTRA union shirts and buttons to demonstrate solidarity while bargaining a first contract. Negotiations began in June 2024, and OPB members' continued engagement and participation has been key in moving bargaining forward toward an agreement that they deserve. S AG-AFTRA and KTLA management met June 17–18 for continued negotiations hosted at SAG-AFTRA Plaza. The KTLA on-air membership was actively engaged in bargaining a successor agreement with Nexstar, and negotiations are ongoing. Their current agreement was set to expire at the end of June. Negotiations will continue throughout the summer. SAG-AFTRA represents broadcast members at Nexstar- owned stations coast to coast, including three in California: KTLA Los Angeles, KSEE Fresno and KRON San Francisco. New York Broadcasters Gather for Local Steering Committee Happy Hour Solidarity in the OPB Newsroom KTLA Members Bargain With Nexstar at SAG-AFTRA Los Angeles Office From left, KTLA member leaders Eric Spillman, Jasmine Simpkins and Annie Rose Ramos. From left, OPB bargaining team members Monica Samayoa and Tiffany Camhi, and SAG-AFTRA member Elizabeth Miller.