1010 WINS, New York City’s iconic all-news radio station owned by Audacy, is at the center of a labor dispute as its unionized journalists, represented by the Writers Guild of America East (WGAE), push for enhanced safety protocols and protections against artificial intelligence (AI) in ongoing contract negotiations.
The station, known for its 24/7 news coverage and slogan “Give us 22 minutes, we’ll give you the world,” employs journalists who face unique challenges due to its round-the-clock operations in lower Manhattan.
On Thursday, WGAE journalists presented Audacy with a petition addressing critical workplace concerns, particularly emphasizing employee safety for those working overnight shifts and safeguards against AI-driven job displacement.
This marks the first contract negotiation since Audacy shut down WCBS Newsradio 880 in August 2024, laying off 23 WGAE members, heightening tensions in the current talks.
Key Demands and Safety Concerns
Overnight Shift Risks: 1010 WINS operates 24/7, requiring journalists to commute to and from its studios at 345 Hudson Street in lower Manhattan at all hours. WGAE President Lisa Takeuchi Cullen highlighted that journalists have faced physical threats and attacks during these commutes, underscoring the need for Audacy to prioritize employee safety. For example, multiple employees reported incidents while traveling to the newsroom, raising alarms about inadequate protections.
Proposed Safety Measures: The petition calls for specific safety protocols, though details remain unspecified in public reports. These could include secure transportation, enhanced security at the station, or policies to mitigate risks for overnight staff. The urgency stems from the station’s location and the demanding nature of its schedule.
AI Protections: Journalists are seeking contract language to protect against job losses or role diminishment due to AI technologies. As media companies increasingly explore AI for tasks like news aggregation or automated reporting, 1010 WINS staff are pushing for guarantees that preserve human-driven journalism and prevent AI from undermining job security.
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Audacy’s Challenges: Audacy, a major U.S. radio company, faced financial strain, filing for bankruptcy in January 2024 and emerging in May 2024 after restructuring. The closure of WCBS Newsradio 880, a nearly 60-year-old institution, was part of cost-cutting measures, raising fears among 1010 WINS staff about further layoffs or resource constraints.