Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1546062
34 SAG-AFTR A | Summer 2026 | sagaftra.org Broadcast News BSC Convenes for Summer 2026 Meeting Broadcast Steering Committee discusses contracts, layoffs and more. O n April 11, students and recent grads from all over Northern California gathered at San Francisco State University for a college broadcast news workshop. The workshop was hosted by the SAG-AFTRA San Francisco-Northern California Local and SFSU, and facilitated by SAG-AFTRA Vice President, Broadcasters, Bob Butler. The workshop brought together Bay Area broadcast professionals from KTVU, KPIX, KSEE, KFSN, KCBS, KQED and Total Traffic & Weather Network for panel discussions. Industry experts shared on-the-ground insights and offered guidance to students entering the field. Panelists covered the importance of social media for journalists, advice for compiling a top-notch demo reel, and the highs and lows of covering severe weather events and breaking news stories. San Francisco Broadcast Members Host College Broadcast News Workshop Workshop attendees with panelists, including SAG-AFTRA Vice President, Broadcasters, Bob Butler; San Francisco-Northern California Local Board member Jessica Medina-Day of KFSN-TV; Scott Rates of KPIX-TV; and Nick Janzen of KFSN-TV. O n June 6, the Broadcast Steering Committee convened via Zoom for its annual summer meeting. The agenda kicked off with a welcome from SAG-AFTRA President Sean Astin and the BSC co-chairs, National Board member Cheri Preston and WMA Local President Tracee Wilkins, and moved to an update on regulatory matters and an overview of recent FCC actions, including public notices, allegations of violations and actions taken against covered employers. Next, the committee moved to an overview of the landmark pension merger agreed to in the 2026 TV/ Theatrical Contracts, which leadership shared has been a long-time goal of the union and puts all member participants in a better position for their future retirement. SAG-AFTRA Executive Director, Emerging Technologies & Contracts Strategy, Sue-Anne Morrow and Senior Director, Emerging Technologies & Contracts Strategy, Shaine Griffin gave a presentation highlighting new opportunities for broadcast members to expand their career options and remain covered by SAG-AFTRA for work outside of broadcast employment contracts. Specifically, they highlighted work under the SAG-AFTRA Influencer, the Micro-Monetized Podcast and Independent Podcast agreements. Chief Broadcast Officer Mary Cavallaro gave a general staff update, with special attention given to recent layoffs across the industry, leading to a lively member discussion on ideas around potential actions the union can take to defend journalists and their livelihoods. Astin encouraged committee members to share their strategic input on union advocacy. Cavallaro also gave an overview of different state-level initiatives that SAG-AFTRA is actively involved in, including efforts advocating for tax subsidies to support journalism, disclosure requirements around artificial intelligence, and fighting against noncompete agreements and media conglomeration, among others. The meeting wrapped up by resuming an ongoing conversation about artificial intelligence. Member leaders gave an overview of shared challenges around AI use with various employers, including training, oversight committees and editorial policies in place at their respective stations. The BSC will meet again in the fall. Astin Meets With KCRW Stewards SAG-AFTRA President Sean Astin with KCRW shop stewards Phil Richards, Vanessa Labrada, Danielle Chiriguayo, Tyler Boudreaux and National Executive Director & Chief Negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland at SAG-AFTRA headquarters in April. KCRW bargaining for a successor agreement opened on April 22, and priorities include artificial intelligence guardrails, strengthening the labor-management committee and wage increases.