Announcing a one-year extension of the National Code of Fair Practice for Network Television Broadcasting Agreement (better known as the Network Television Code) last year, SAG-AFTRA and the four major television broadcast networks (ABC, CBS, NBC and FOX), along with other producers, committed to begin negotiations on a full three-year successor agreement no later than Monday, June 2, 2025. We’re now less than 30 days away from those talks commencing.
The extension, which went into effect on July 1, 2024 and runs through June 30, 2025, built on the original 2021-2024 agreement that was scheduled to expire on June 30, 2024.
The following additions were made as part of the extension:
- All minimum rates shall be increased by 7% (including program fees, extra rehearsal rates, excess work day rates and overtime rates) for all classifications other than background actors and stand-ins.
- Minimum rates for background actors and stand-ins shall be increased by 11% (including program fees, extra rehearsal rates, excess work day rates and overtime rates).
- The contribution rate for the SAG-AFTRA Health Plan is increased by 0.5% effective Jan. 1, 2025.
- Substantial protections in artificial intelligence, similar to what was achieved in TV/Theatrical and Television Animation negotiations.
The union’s negotiating committee consists of principal performers, background actors, stand-ins, promo announcers, singers and dancers.
Generating more than $200 million annually in covered member earnings, the Network Television Code encompasses programming in nearly all television dayparts as well as programming produced for streaming.
Current programs covered by the agreement include dramas in first-run syndication, morning news shows, talk shows, serials (soap operas), variety, reality, contests, sports and promotional announcements.
Shows specifically covered include the likes of “Good Morning America,” “The Young and the Restless,” “General Hospital,” “Saturday Night Live,” “The Masked Singer,” “The Voice,” “Dancing with the Stars,” “Last Week Tonight with John Oliver,” the Oscars and even the Super Bowl, among countless other program options.