ABC and CBS Sign A New Contract With The AFTRA

By Lenora Woods

ABC and CBS will soon be covered under a new two year contract with the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists. The new agreement calls for better benefits for about 200 on-air journalists that work for the two stations.

The agreement, which was ratified last week, calls for increased pay, fee increases for freelance correspondents, and improvements in pension coverage and coverage for members in digital platforms. AFTRA president Roberta Reardon says that the contract will help to give broadcast journalists more security in “an age of emerging new media.”

The agreement takes effect on May 16, after the previous contract has expired. This marks the AFTRA’s third successful contract this year.