SAG-AFTRA Statement on L.A. Times' KYW-TV Story

SAG-AFTRA read with shock and disgust the L.A. Times article by reporter Meg James regarding management’s behavior with regard to hiring and employment decisions at CBS Philadelphia station KYW-TV. We were stunned to see the comments attributed to CBS’s national management team in internal emails and other testimony related to employees of KYW-TV, including members of SAG-AFTRA. SAG-AFTRA is requesting a meeting with CBS labor relations as well as station management to address these most recent revelations.  

SAG-AFTRA has addressed issues of diversity, equity and inclusion at KYW-TV, both in the negotiation and enforcement of the union agreement. Most recently, SAG-AFTRA achieved a significant increase in an essential compensation element of the union agreement with KYW-TV to address a gender pay equity concern.

We have encouraged CBS and other employers across the country to make a meaningful commitment to fairness, equity, and diversity in hiring, assignment, compensation, training opportunities and advancement in broadcast news organizations. Our membership is committed to the principle that radio, television, and online news organizations should truly represent and reflect the communities they serve.

For the last several years, SAG-AFTRA has been proposing language in its agreements requiring employers to focus on issues of diversity, including requiring the formation of diversity committees at stations and news operations across the country. Following the June meeting of the union’s governing body that addresses issues related to its broadcast membership, the Broadcast Steering Committee issued this statement on diversity, equity and inclusion.

If members feel they are subject to discriminatory behavior or harassment, they may confidentially reach out to staff or their fellow members who serve as shop stewards and avail themselves of the resources the union offers. 

About SAG-AFTRA

SAG-AFTRA represents approximately 160,000 actors, announcers, broadcast journalists, dancers, DJs, news writers, news editors, program hosts, puppeteers, recording artists, singers, stunt performers, voiceover artists and other entertainment and media professionals. SAG-AFTRA members are the faces and voices that entertain and inform America and the world. A proud affiliate of the AFL-CIO, SAG-AFTRA has national offices in Los Angeles and New York and local offices nationwide representing members working together to secure the strongest protections for entertainment and media artists into the 21st century and beyond. Visit SAG-AFTRA online at SAGAFTRA.org.