Tegna making cuts while Gray Television does opposite

Scott Jones’ FTVLive today reports that Tegna is the latest broadcasting corporation making cuts in the wake of severe advertising curtailment during the COVID-19 crisis.  In an email to all staff, Tegna CEO Dave Lougee has stated that employees are being told that between the end of April and the end of June that theywill be asked to take a week off with no pay, but will retain their benefits.  The message also stated that GM’s are taking a 20% pay cut, while CEO Dave Lougee will take a 25% pay cut over a 3 month period. The company has not ruled out future layoffs as well.  Tegna owns KING-TV KONG-TV here in the Northwest.

Meanwhile, Gray Television has sent an email memo to staff to indicate that the company will not be implementing layoffs or furloughs during the pandemic. FTVLive obtained the email from Gray’s CEO Hilton H Howell Jr. which informs employees they will continue in their jobs, receive all benefits, health care & dental coverage.  Additionally, Gray staff will not be asked to take unpaid leave or pay cuts.

It’s refreshing & reassuring to read that at least one corporate broadcaster is trying to ‘weather the storm’ & forgo profits & corporate revenue income for the sake of keeping hard-working staff on air & ensuring the public remains informed during this trying time.

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Author: Mike Cherry

retired broadcaster: on-air, MD, PD, asst PD, Prod Mgr, IT, station technician/engineer, pioneer Internet webcaster, station installation/maintenance; 12 years in commercial radio, 17 years volunteer in campus/community radio in B.C., Alberta & Wash. Amateur radio operator & "DXer" specializing in AM night-time DX, short-wave DX/listening & remote SDR DXing/listening
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