Fearless Independent Journalism
CBS Streaming News Workers Launch 24-Hour Walkout for Better Contract By Chris Walker This article was originally published by Truthout Workers “are fighting to protect their livelihoods during a period of uncertainty in broadcast news," the union said.
Workers within CBS News’s online streaming division began a 24-hour bicoastal walkout on Tuesday, one week after their contract with the company expired. The workers, who provide content for CBS News 24/7, are represented by the Writers Guild of America East . The union alleges that management’s offers to renegotiate the contract are unacceptable, featuring terms worse than those offered in the past. Workers are seeking better wages as well as improved working conditions. When contract negotiations broke down and the contract expired on March 9, the union alerted management that a walkout would happen, delivering a strike pledge the following day. With its parent company, Paramount Skydance, preparing to spend over $110 billion to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery , it is unacceptable for CBS News to treat its workers poorly, the union said. “Paramount has billions to spend acquiring Warner Bros. Discovery, but still hasn’t guaranteed fair wages and basic job protections for the workers who make their streaming news operation run,” read a statement from WGAE Vice President of Broadcast/Cable/Streaming News Beth Godvik. “Our members are walking out today to show management they stand united in their demand for a fair contract — and the WGAE is with them every step of the way.” The newsroom has faced a recent round of layoffs since the acquisition by Skydance. More layoffs are expected, and another round could come following the proposed purchase of Warner Bros. Discovery. “Members are fighting to protect their livelihoods during a period of uncertainty in broadcast news,” reads a press release from WGAE explaining the walkout. “Layoffs, editorial interference and political pressure have all become existential threats following the Paramount Skydance merger, and those same concerns have escalated with a possible merger of Paramount Skydance and Warner Bros. Discovery. The bargaining unit is demanding fair pay, respect, and a sustainable work-life balance.” The walkout is happening outside of the CBS News broadcast center in New York, as well as a CBS News affiliate station in San Francisco. The worker rights action is the first to occur since the Skydance buyout, and since conservative commentator Bari Weiss was named editor-in-chief of CBS News. CBS News has faced widespread criticism since Weiss, a Trump-friendly journalist, took over. Her decision to pull a “60 Minutes” segment on the administration deporting immigrants to a super-prison in El Salvador was deemed a “political” choice by a correspondent on the program, for example. Since Weiss’s takeover, the network has also gutted its climate team, which will likely result in a reduction of reporting on the climate crisis. And ratings have dropped dramatically since Weiss appointed right-wing journalist Tony Dokoupil to head its weeknight “CBS Evening News” program. This article was originally published by Truthout and is licensed under Creative Commons . Please maintain all links and credits in accordance with our republishing guidelines., based in Madison, Wisconsin. Focusing on both national and local topics since the early 2000s, he has produced thousands of articles analyzing the issues of the day and their impact on people. He can be found on most social media platforms under the handleTruthout must raise $50,000 to fund our operational costs this month. If you value free-to-read, nonprofit journalism, we appeal for your support — please make a one-time or monthly donation.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
‘60 Minutes’ Sounds Alarm on True Economic Cost of Trump’s WarCBS’ flagship investigative news program highlighted the mounting costs of Trump’s war with Iran.
Read more »
Rare Oscars tie goes to best live-action short film winners 'The Singers,' 'Two People Exchanging Saliva'Marlene Lenthang is a breaking news reporter for NBC News Digital.
Read more »
Autumn Durald Arkapaw of 'Sinners' becomes first woman with Oscars win for best cinematographyNicole Acevedo is a news reporter for NBC News.
Read more »
Michael B. Jordan wins best actor in competitive categoryRebecca Cohen is a breaking news reporter for NBC News Digital.
Read more »
Academy Award-winner Amy Madigan is daughter former CBS Chicago news director John MadiganAcademy Award-winner Amy Madigan is daughter former CBS Chicago news director
Read more »
CBS News 24/7 staff walk off the job for 24 hoursThe staff at CBS News' online livestream have been negotiating for a new contract since February.
Read more »