Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/681774
Broadcast News From left, Beverly White, KNBC-TV reporter; Christoper Maue, KPBS San Diego video journalist; and Steve Kuzj, KTLA-TV reporter share a laugh while SAG-AFTRA Chief Broadcast Officer Mary Cavallaro looks on at the Broadcast Steering Committee meeting in Los Angeles on March 12. The panel, which also included reporter Pete Demetriou of KNX-AM, was moderated by Univision 34 reporter Julio Cesar Ortiz. JOURNALIST SAFETY INITIATIVE I n 2015, the SAG-AFTRA National Convention unanimously approved a resolution that requires that the union develop a program to further its Safety4Media campaign and ensure the safety of SAG-AFTRA members working in the field. SAG-AFTRA staff and member leaders have been engaged in ongoing dialogue and strategic discussions regarding the recent instances of threats and actions against broadcasters working in the field. At its March meeting, the Broadcast Steering Committee conducted a safety panel moderated by Broadcast Steering Committee member Julio Cesar Ortiz, a reporter at KMEX-TV/ Univision in Los Angeles. Panelists included Pete Demetriou (reporter, KNX-AM), Beverly White (reporter, KNBC-TV), Steve Kuzj (reporter, KTLA-TV) and Christopher Maue (video journalist, KPBS-FM/TV). The panelists shared stories involving safety issues addressed in the field and shared ideas for protecting members. There was general consensus that the union should focus on further developing contract proposals and programming in several key areas, including employers providing necessary safety equipment and training, hazardous duty insurance and premium pay, the right to refuse hazardous assignments, and a requirement that employers educate managers as to what members experience in the field. The resolution was brought to the convention by then-President Ken Howard and co-sponsored by National Board member Joe Krebs and Vice President, Broadcasters Catherine Brown.