MINUTES

PITTSBURGH LOCAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING

9 February, 2005

 

 

The meeting began at 7:00pm with President Martino introducing guest speakers David Johnson (WPXI evening anchor) and Ken Rice (KDKA anchor).

 

Rice and Johnson, from competing stations shared their personal experiences and observations of the broadcast news business. They shared several stories about news reporting. Other areas of news production, writing of news stories, role of news director, scheduling, the impact of cosmetics on ratings were discussed.

 

Questions were then taken from the general membership.

 

At the conclusion of the ‘Meet The Anchors', President Martino resumed the Membership Meeting business.

 

The minutes of the October 4, 2004 meeting were reviewed followed by a

Motion to accept the October 4, 2004 minutes was made, seconded and unanimously approved.

 

Executive Directors Report:Haer

 

STATION BUSINESS:

·       Haer gave an update on the WPXI vote and the negotiations with management to soon begin.

·       Haer reported on the negotiations at Infinity and the new developments with KDKA TV negotiations.

 

FREELANCE ISSUES:

·       Haer reported that Suzanne Steidl had left the Local and outlined the ongoing process of recruitment of a new AED.

·       It was reported that claims against Family Communications Incorporated (FCI) while not yet resolved were progressing.

·       A status report on the approval process of the CPT Regional Code was given. A key factor in the approval process will be the upcoming discussions between Haer and representatives of several ad agencies to resolve concerns surrounding the Regional Code.

 

 

 

Committee Reports:

 

National Board Report: Roberts

·       Roberts reported on an unprecedented, impromptu National Board meeting to evaluate and then endorse the Theatrical Prime Time TV contract.  He explained that a small contingent of members opposed the contract based on one portion of language regarding DVD payments. Roberts reported on the Pittsburgh Board’s endorsement of an acceptance vote in the current contract referendum.

 

Conservatory Committee: None

 

Labor Council: None

 

Nominating Committee:

·       Members were recruited to serve on the Nominating Committee to fill opening in the Local Board. Evelyn Hawkins, Sean McDowell, and Dennis Bowman were chosen to assist the Board component.

 

OLD BUSINESS:

·       The Tri-State Local is handling questions regarding Ten United’s relationship with AFTRA and union talent. They are meeting with Ten United representatives in Columbus for a standardized business arrangement and seeking adherence to the new Regional Code. .

 

·       Recommendations for representatives for the National Convention were presented and the floor open for additional candidates. Two names were added and ballots were distributed. When each member that cast a ballot, and signed a log sheet to avoid duplicate voting. Winning delegates were announced as the meeting concluded.

 

NEW BUSINESS:

·       Members were advised of the Board’s decision to restructure their meeting structure and schedule. They were also advised that the separate Broadcast and Freelance meetings were open and general members were welcome to attend.

 

Delegates Elected to Represent Pittsburgh Local at National Convention are:

 

Alan Boal

Susan Chapek

David Early

Paul Martino

Nancy Mimless

Stoney Richards

Mark Roberts

Dee Thompson

Adrienne Wehr

Tie Vote: Barbara Boylan & Anji Corley