NYC Radio: Labor Unease Hits Entercom

Entercom is making waves at popular New York radio stations 1010 WINS and WCBS 880 over demands for “cross-utilization” that workers fear will end up melding two of the city’s most distinct news voices.

The Pennsylvania-based corporation acquired both 1010 WINS and WCBS 880 from CBS in 2017 and according to The NYDaily News, since then, it’s been tussling with Writers Guild of America, East – which has repped both newsrooms since the 1960s – over a new contract. The main sticking point is Entercom’s wish to “cross-utilize” resources across both newsrooms, the union said.

Phil Pilato, who works at 1010 WINS as an editor and writer, said wages have been stagnant since the last contract expired in 2015 – but Entercom won’t talk about anything until its “cross-utilization” demands are met.

“Most people don't know that WINS and WCBS radio are owned by the same company. Over the years we've maintained our independence because we all felt New York deserves two separate unique voices in radio news,” said Pilato. “However, Entercom now wants something that would allow them to cut the staffs of both stations and water down the news New Yorkers get by having the same people work at both stations — in essence making it one newsroom.”

It’s not the first time consolidation efforts have been floated across 1010 WINS and WCBS 880. The issue arose during contract negotiations with CBS in 2005, with the result being both outlets were moved into new headquarters at 345 Hudson St. — but each with their own space.

As part of that contract, CBS secured a side letter from Writers Guild of America, East, that stated the topic of cross-utilization — essentially, consolidating newsroom production, talent and reporting — could be brought up for discussion at the parent company’s request.

But the topic never actually arose until 2017, when Entercom took over, according to Jason Gordon, a Writers Guild spokesman.

“The premise that we are seeking to consolidate newsrooms into a single one is incorrect,” a company spokeswoman said in an email. “We have never proposed that and do not intend to operate these separate brands in that manner.”