Broadcasting Telecasting (Jul-Sep 1960)

THE MEDIA UNIONS FORM BARGAINING BLOCS Networks, broadcasters face two multiple union units Broadcast management is facing a new type of union relations — cooperation by competitive unions to present "a united labor front" in negotiations. The trend appeared last week as (1) five unions met to decide how they could work together, and (2) Screen Actors Guild lined up with American Federation of Television & Radio Artists in current dealings with networks. In a precedent-setting move, the Screen Actors Guild will particpate with the American Federation of Television & Radio Artists in significant areas of AFTRA's negotiations with the television-radio networks, which open this Wednesday (Sept. 28) at the Berkshire Hotel in New York. Both AFTRA and management sources confirmed last week that SAG will be in attendance at the negotiation sessions, which seek a new pact for the network to replace the contract expiring on Nov. 15. SAG's participation, it is said, is an outgrowth of a recent agreement entered into by AFTRA and SAG under which the two talent unions pledged to engage in joint negotiation and administration in the area of tape and filmed commercials and tape programming. Though SAG has a limited number of contracts with networks (primarily with their film subsidiaries), its participation with AFTRA in negotiations is viewed as a move by SAG to gain the same advantages in rates and other benefits from film producers that AFTRA will obtain from the networks. The joint administration-negotiation agreement was proposed by SAG in lieu of outright merger, which had been suggested by AFTRA. Critical Discussion Points ■ Neither networks nor AFTRA would discuss the contract demands, which union spokesmen said would be presented for the first time during the meeting this Wednesday. It is reported that tape commercials and programming will constitute the crucial area during the talks. The presence of SAG at the negotiations bolsters this view. Eleven contracts, or "codes" will be under negotiation with the networks, including tv network, radio network, network tv commercials, network transscriptions, sustaining radio, library service transcriptions, and various local agreements in major cities. AFTRA, meanwhile, has served notice on its members not to accept any engagements from the networks if the programs or commercials are to be recorded for use after the termination of the network codes. The intent is to prevent "stockpiling" of programs and commercials, which AFTRA believes could place the networks in a stronger position during negotiations, particularly if a settlement is delayed. Meanwhile, AFTRA along with four other major unions involved in radiotelevision pledged last week to present "a united labor front in future dealings with the broadcast industry and in legislation afi'ecting employment" of its members. This step toward stronger cooperation was adopted by chief officers of AFTRA, the National Assn. of Broadcast Employes & Technicians, International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employes, the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers and the Directors Guild of America, all of whom will be negotiating for new contracts with the networks within the next few months. A report on the meeting was issued by a spokesman for NABET, which was host at the luncheon session on Wednesday (Sept. 21), but he declined to elaborate on details of the extent of cooperation. Reports circulated that the union executives had agreed to keep one another informed during negotiation periods on the progress of talks and concessions that may have been obtained. It is believed that unions could not promise more direct assistance to one another because such action would require approval of rank-and-file membership, and also might violate provisions of the Taft-Hartley Act and the Landrum-Griffin Act. In attendance at the meeting, according to NABET, were Donald C o n a w a y, executive director of AFTRA; Al Hardy, director of radio tv for IBEW; Richard Walsh, international president of lATSE; Newman Burnett, executive secretary of the eastern region of DGA and George W. Smith, international president of NABET, and members of the executive council and local presidents of NABET. The move for labor unity initially was suggested at an AFTRA meeting in Columbus, Ohio, last Spring. At that time, union heads from various broadcast areas agreed to discuss this undertaking with their local officials. It is assumed that other meetings will be held from time to time to explore other areas in which inter-union support can be mustered. A new rep firm Sandeberg Gates & Co., a new radio-tv representative firm, has been formed by David H. Sandeberg, who purchased the W.S. Grant Co. a year ago, and I.C. Gates of the rep firm bearing his name. Prior to acquiring Grant, Mr. Sandeberg was a 13-year partner and Pacific coast manager for Avery-Knodel and for seven years before that was San Francisco manager for McClatchey Broadcasting Co. and Pacific coast manager of Paul H. Raymer Co. Mr. Gates has been head of J.C. Gates Co. for the past five years. Associated with Mr. Gates is Henry M. Stanley. Pacific coast offices of Sandeberg Gates are at 681 Market St., San Francisco. Telephone Exbrook 2-6685. In Hollywood, 5746 Sunset Blvd., telephone Hollywood 2-6989. A new Chicago office has been established at 720 N. Michigan Ave., under the management of William Travis. Telephone Superior 7-7336. Cleaning up the town An expose of local crime conditions by WSTV-TV Steubenville, Ohio-Wheeling, W. Va., led to a grand jury appearance Sept. 15 by John J. Laux, vice president and general manager of the Friendly Group station. In an Aug. 1 1 telecast, William Consol, former police captain, revealed information that led to a series of raids on disorderly houses and gambling joints. In an interview on the Tell All program by newsmen Bob Glenn and Stan Scott, Mr. Consol gave specific addresses and named names. This led to a Jefferson County (Ohio) grand jury investigation. The jury subpoenaed Mr. Laux and a video tape recording of the telecast. The program had been recorded two days before broadcast. 48 BROADCASTING, September 26, 1960