AFTRA Objects to Infinity Promotion of AOL for Broadband

A new marketing arrangement between Infinity and AOL for Broadband has the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists upset.
According to AFTRA, a recent memo from Infinity to Detroit and St. Louis broadcasters instructs newscasters to “use AOL for Broadband every day while you are on the air and make reference to the interesting content.”
AFTRA contends such a move blurs news and entertainment. It has sent a letter to the senior vice president of industrial relations/West Coast CBS indicating AFTRA’s objection, stating “it conflicts with any of our collective bargaining agreements, to the policies of Viacom, CBS and/or Infinity, and to the extent that it conflicts with Sections 317 and 507 of the Communications Act of 1934. AFTRA specifically reserves its right to challenge the application or enforcement of this policy in the future.”
Asked for reaction by Radio World, Dana McClintock, spokesman for Infinity, said, “It’s a non-issue. I assume they (AFTRA) were not aware that news stations were exempt.”