A Message From Your Washington-Mid Atlantic President

As Audiobook Month comes to a close, I want to celebrate the success SAG-AFTRA has had in organizing this fast-growing area under a union contract. 

Jane Love leads the union’s efforts as SAG-AFTRA’s national director of audiobooks. For decades, Jane was our local’s associate executive director, before she was promoted to her current position in May 2021.

Audiobooks are flourishing, and the demand for skilled narrators is stronger than ever. Our local is home to many accomplished narrators who make their living doing this work. If you are interested in learning more about opportunities in audiobook narration, check out the resources posted on the SAG-AFTRA website here.

Before I close, I want to give a shout-out to Bernie Lucas, who is retiring on June 30 after 30 plus years at WMZQ (iHeartMedia). Bernie served as shop steward for many years and was instrumental in establishing forward-looking contracts that have helped shape the standard for music radio collective bargaining agreements throughout SAG-AFTRA. As the current shop steward Ty Bailey said, "Bernie has done it all for WMZQ over his 30 years. As shop steward, he made sure that we were heard, informed and taken care of. His passion for the brand is unmatched and he will be greatly missed. We are excited for him and his well-deserved next adventure!"
 
Thank you, Bernie, for your many years of service on our local AFTRA board and on the National Broadcast Steering Committee. We wish you many happy years to enjoy your love of music, travel, photography, your beloved New Orleans Saints, and some really good red wine.

Cheers to you!  

All the best,
 
Kathryn Klvana
SAG-AFTRA Washington-Mid Atlantic Local President