Nexstar Contracts to End Raises

It appears that Nexstar is changing the parameters of new contracts signed with the company, and it is not good.

The SAG/AFTRA union sent an email to their members at Nexstar’s KRON in San Francisco.

According to that email, Nexstar is NOT giving guaranteed salary increases after the first year. Instead, employees will have to negotiate a raise each year.

The company also reserves the right to adjust your base salary either upwards or downwards.

First off, why would anyone want to sign a contract that is longer than one year? If there is no guarantee in the contract, what is the reason for signing anything longer than a year.

In other words, you could sign a contract for 3 years at the station. In the first year, you are paid $140K. But, in the second year, Nexstar decides to pay you only $80K and if you look to break that contract, they can come after you for the money.

There is no way anyone should sign a deal for over one year.

Here is the email that the union sent out to their members.

Hello SAG-AFTRA / KRON Members: 

Please read the below in its entirety as we have some important updates on Nexstars new Personal Services Contracts (PSCs) and also our upcoming station visit on Thursday, at 10:00 AM. 

Regarding the PSCs, we'd like to remind everyone again about the new format for Nexstar's PSCs that was introduced this year. If you’re about to negotiate a new/successor contract, you will likely encounter these changes:

There are no guaranteed salary increases after the first year. Instead, you will have to negotiate a raise each year.

The base salary can be adjusted either upwards or downwards.

The amount of money owed to the Company if you terminate your contract early is not a buyout. In other words, if you break your contract, the Company retains the right to pursue legal action in addition to requiring you to pay the amount owed under the liquidated damages clause. 

The Company expanded the grounds for termination to include threats to the station’s FCC license or violations of FCC policies/laws.

If your contract is up for renewal, please review the terms carefully. Our staff is available to help review and discuss your contract, but please reach out as soon as possible to allow enough time for us to assist. 

Lastly, we will be visiting the station this Thursday (7/31) at 10:00 AM to meet with Chris and Josh. We will stick around for anyone who wants to stop in to say hello, address any issues, or answer any questions you may have. 

In solidarity,