This is sort of remarkable--SAG-AFTRA has unionized KNBR, both 680 AM and its sister station, 1050 AM.
Here's the story from Variety.
KNBR, and its corporate broadcast owner, Cumulus, has been raking in millions, much of it driven by its affiliation with the SF Giants, who just won their third World Series in five years.
KNBR also carries the 49ers and Golden State Warriors,--but it's the Giants that make the most direct revenue for the all-sports station, quite a bit of it. Have you noticed those endless stream of commercials KNBR airs during some programs? I counted nearly 37 minutes in an hour on one of the more popular morning and PM-drive shows.
“Just like the many teams that we cover, we bring commitment and passion to KNBR every day,” said broadcaster Ted Ramey. “We want to be treated as respected members of our team.”
Now, how will Cumulus react? Remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: even Cumulus big suits know that San Francisco is a heavy-duty union city. Sure, the unions don't have the major juice they once enjoyed, even in the city, (see, restaurants), but this move by KNBR personnel, I would doubt Cumulus would try to mess with its cash-cow San Francisco cluster. Then again, it's Cumulus, headquarters, Atlanta, so don't assume anything.
This move by KNBR staff is simple: "Hey, we know you're making a shitload of money and we want a piece of the pie." Fairly reasonable. We'll wait for Atlanta's response --could be interesting.
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