American Federation of Television and Radio Artists

General Membership Meeting Minutes

April 19, 2004, 7:00 PM

Second Floor Conference Room,

United Steelworkers of America Building, Stanwix Street, Pittsburgh

 

 

The meeting was called to order by Local President Paul Martino at 7:00 PM.

 

§         Introductions

 

Martino introduced himself and the members of the Board followed by each member introducing themselves and their discipline.

 

§         Minutes: Martino

 

The minutes from the last meeting were available to members and a motion to accept them was made by Chuck Aber and passed unanimously.

 

§         Financial Reports: Roberts

 

The financial reports for the month of March were reviewed. A trend towards ending the fiscal year under budget was pointed out by Treasurer Roberts.

 

§         Executive Director’s Report: Haer

 

Haer reviewed the ongoing negotiations between AFTRA members and WWSW and WDVE. After numerous sessions the company demands regarding "Voice Tracking” still remain a big issue. A petition generated by the AFTRA members employed at Clear Channel to their management was read and briefly discussed. Haer alerted the members of a possible future need for active participation to support fellow Local members in their campaign to keep Pittsburgh radio live.

 

§         Talent Guide Web Site: Roberts

 

Members were encouraged to take advantage of the Talent Guide web site to increase their exposure to the growing number of producers and casting directors that are 'surfing' this site for talent.

 

§         Freelance Report: Steidl

 

The ongoing work to combine and unify the local codes of three area locals is progressing. Steidl will keep members updated regarding the progress.

 

Members were briefed regarding impending Senate legislation to redefine decency, profanity, and inappropriate language for broadcasters. Being reconsidered is the FCC’s interpretations of inappropriate and profane language and potential fines to be imposed for the use of such language. Members were encouraged to review the possible changes and contact their senators to voice their opinions.

 

Steidl also briefed members on pending state legislation to provide tax credits to producers who choose to work in PA and hire local talent and staff. HB 147 and HB 83 have passed the General Assembly and are now under consideration in the state Senate. Both bills should be passed and members were urged to contact their state senators to encourage their support.

 

 

§         Feature Local Talent: Martino

 

As part of the local’s commitment to showcase local talent, President Martino introduced the Jim Krenn, WDVE’s morning personality.

 

Mr. Krenn’s keynote speech lead to an open discussion of changes in regulations covering broadcasters. One point that was made was the ambiguous definitions of profanity and obscenity. This gray area and the excessive fines that could be imposed created a risky area for broadcasters like Krenn.

 

§         The meeting concluded with small informal groups discussing the FCC regulations and their own areas of interest.

 

 

 

Respectfully Submitted,

 

Nancy Barron, Office Manager