Amid an industry-wide shutdown amid a pandemic that has put millions out of work, the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees has criticized Sinclair Broadcast Group’s plan to loan money to certain freelancers, calling it an inadequate response to these unprecedented times.
Last week, in response to the ongoing coronavirus outbreak, Sinclair unveiled a multi-million-dollar emergency fund to offer an interest-free advance of $2,500, as of this Friday, to the 1,000 or so sports network freelancers who work at its Fox regional sports networks and Marquee Sports Network. The company says that the advance “can be made up in small deductions once the games return.”
“We refuse to believe this is the best it can do,” said Leslie Fitzsimmons, Iatse Local 414 vice president, in a statement. “Sinclair reported an 80-plus percent year-over-year increase (fourth quarter 2018 to 2019), Sinclair’s CEO made $7.5 million last year. We’ve lost all our income. We need help.
Last week, in response to the ongoing coronavirus outbreak, Sinclair unveiled a multi-million-dollar emergency fund to offer an interest-free advance of $2,500, as of this Friday, to the 1,000 or so sports network freelancers who work at its Fox regional sports networks and Marquee Sports Network. The company says that the advance “can be made up in small deductions once the games return.”
“We refuse to believe this is the best it can do,” said Leslie Fitzsimmons, Iatse Local 414 vice president, in a statement. “Sinclair reported an 80-plus percent year-over-year increase (fourth quarter 2018 to 2019), Sinclair’s CEO made $7.5 million last year. We’ve lost all our income. We need help.
- 4/1/2020
- by Elaine Low
- Variety Film + TV
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