In San Francisco, a group of employees from sports radio station KNBR-AM are pushing the radio station’s ownership group, Cumulus Media, to offer better wages. Despite the high cost of living, the city’s minimum wage is just $12.25 an hour, and behind the scenes workers say that Cumulus has failed to provide livable wages.
The KNBR employees joined the SAG-AFTRA union last November. A two-minute video was released last week to draw further attention to the issue.
“No matter how loyal we are as employees, there has been zero effort to compensate the employees that make the station what it is,” said producer Eamonn Sweeney.
“We’re very dedicated to working here,” added producer Tim Webb. “However, it’s nearly impossible when wages have been completely stagnant for ten years.
“I think it’s time we get livable wages, especially in the most expensive city in the country. We are 11% more expensive than New York,” mentioned creative director Tony Rhein.
On-Air host, producer, and anchor Patrick Connor said the solution is simple: “I just want to be paid what’s fair.”
KNBR has consistently been one of the most successful radio stations in San Francisco. The radio station enjoys top ratings, and high revenues, and serves as the flagship home for the San Francisco Giants, San Francisco 49ers, and Golden State Warriors.
According to SAG-AFTRA, Cumulus pays most of its off-air workers at or near minimum wage, even though San Francisco voters approved increases to minimum wage toward $15 over the next few years. The union adds that despite efforts to negotiate with Cumulus, their efforts have been ignored.
Whether it will lead to a new deal, a strike, or a loss of jobs, remains to be seen. To sign the petition and support KNBR’s employees, click here.
Jason Barrett is the President and Founder of Barrett Media since the company was created in September 2015. Prior to its arrival, JB served as a sports radio programmer, launching brands such as 95.7 The Game in San Francisco, and 101 ESPN in St. Louis. He also spent time programming SportsTalk 950 in Philadelphia, 590 The Fan KFNS in St. Louis, and ESPN 1340/1390 in Poughkeepsie, NY. Jason also worked on-air and behind the scenes in local radio at 101.5 WPDH, WTBQ 1110AM, and WPYX 106.5. He also spent two years on the national stage, producing radio shows for ESPN Radio in Bristol, CT. Among them included the Dan Patrick Show, and GameNight.
You can find JB on Twitter @SportsRadioPD. He’s also reachable by email at Jason@BarrettMedia.com.
