Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/555596
18 SAG-AFTRA | Summer 2015 | SAGAFTRA.org Broadcast News WATTS RIOTS REMEMBERED T o commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Watts rebellion in South Los Angeles, SAG-AFTRA was a sponsor of Grand Performances' WATTS50 concert on July 10 at California Plaza. The free event, which drew a crowd of more than 1,500, featured an evening of socially conscious rap and hip-hop, curated by New York-based Lyricist Lounge and hosted by DJ Anthony Marshall. The evening also featured SAG-AFTRA broadcast members, KPFK's Margaret Prescod (host of Sojourner Truth), KCBS 2 News reporter Dave Lopez and KNBC4 reporter Beverly White recalling the events. Images from the 1965 events, as well as Pacific Radio's on-the-ground coverage from Watts, served as source material for select musical compositions throughout the evening from artists including dead prez, The Watts Prophets, iLL CAMILLE, Food4Thot and Jimetta Rose. The Watts riots raged for six days and were reportedly the largest and costliest urban rebellion of the Civil Rights era. The riot followed the arrest of a young African American woman, who was pulled over by a white California Highway Patrol officer. The violence resulted in the mobilization of 14,000 California National Guard troops, 34 deaths, thousands of reported injuries and almost 4,000 arrests. "We need to be the truth seekers and witnesses," White said. "Today is pivotal, as the confederate flag was taken down, so tonight is a time to reflect back but to also look forward with this step toward a better future." As part of the evening, SAG-AFTRA was issued two proclamations, one from Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti's offce and the other from the California Arts Council in appreciation for the union's commitment to broadcasters and the significant role that SAG-AFTRA broadcasters play in service to the people of Los Angeles and California. Prior to their performance, KPCC host and SAG-AFTRA member A Martinez did a live interview for the audience with dead prez for the station's downSTAGE with Take Two series. KPFK's Margaret Prescod was one of the SAG-AFTRA broadcasters who spoke during the WATTS50 concert on July 10. She touched on the effect the riots had on the community as well as the city. Organizing continued from page 15 Board Operator Karen Reid said, "We're pleased to join our on-air colleagues and unite with them for a fair contract." In Philadelphia, producers at WIP Sports Radio/CBS voted to join the existing bargaining unit of hosts and announcers in March 2014 and settled their first contract in May. Their success was followed by the assignment desk at KYW-TV/CBS voting to join the existing unit of on-air/producer/writers and Web staff and negotiated their first contract in June. And in Washington, D.C., the producers at SAG-AFTRA station WUSA-TV organized and settled their first union contract. These contract and organizing gains demonstrate to the non- unionized broadcast professional the benefits of being represented. All of these efforts have been member-driven, both by the employees looking to be covered as well as members working to assist their non-union colleagues in securing a union contract. "As the news and broadcast industry changes, SAG-AFTRA staff and broadcasters communicate with each other on a daily basis," said SAG-AFTRA Chief Broadcast Officer Mary Cavallaro. "For our members, nothing is more important than being in lockstep with their fellow broadcasters. Through the Broadcast Steering Committee and other meetings and opportunities, our members are talking to each other, as well as supporting their colleagues during organizing campaigns, contract negotiations and ratification votes. That is true solidarity." provides members and the public the ability to sign a statement of support. In addition to the website, members of the bargaining units leafletted a Giants game with information about the campaign — as well as a handy season calendar (above) — for game-goers. As the campaign continues, Cumulus Media has already cut back on programming by closing KGO-AM's South Bay Bureau, which covers the city of San Jose as well as Silicon Valley and is home to 2 million residents. At the same time, KNBR professionals are facing quality-of-life issues while working hard for the highly profitable sports station. Many of these professionals seeking SAG-AFTRA's representation earn less than $15 an hour, even as San Francisco voters are moving the minimum wage to $15 an hour over the next few years. Members are encouraged to visit the Save Local Radio website and add their name to the growing list of listeners, Bay Area residents and fellow SAG-AFTRA members who support the professionals working at KGO and KNBR. Members can also follow the campaign on Twitter (@savelocalmedia) and Facebook (/savelocalmedia). Tell Cumulus you stand with these broadcasters. Visit savelocalradio.org. Save Local Radio continued from page 15 CLICK HERE for more photos.