Save ABC 6!

Consolidation is bad for journalism, bad for viewers and bad for Rhode Island

Sinclair Broadcasting Group, who already owns NBC 10, has recently taken over operations at ABC 6. This move has already resulted in layoffs, including Rhode Island broadcasting icon Kelly Bates, and if this consolidation continues Rhode Island could see its daily local news broadcasts shrink from three to two.

In the face of unprecedented challenges affecting our state, Rhode Island viewers can’t afford to see journalism slashed like this, especially in the wake of recent cuts and layoffs in public broadcasting. As such, Sinclair Broadcasting must commit to the following courses of action.

1. Maintain ABC 6 as a distinct channel with a distinct news broadcast and distinct local programming: Viewers deserve to continue to enjoy diversity and choice in their local broadcasts. Merging ABC 6 and NBC 10 into a single news broadcast would do a disservice to viewers of both channels.
2. Stop the cuts, invest instead: Viewers deserve journalism that is supported and invested in, not stripped for parts. Rather than continuing cutting at an already understaffed ABC 6, Sinclair should invest in the new station it is managing and hire more workers. It should also offer those it has laid off the ability to return.
3. Bargain a fair contract with its union workers: More than a year ago, workers at ABC 6 voted to unionize with NABET-CWA. These workers were close to getting a first contract with Standard Media before they turned operations over to Sinclair (Standard still owns the station’s license). Sinclair should build on the bargaining already done by Standard and swiftly reach a fair contract with the workers at ABC 6, to ensure security, dignity and liveable wages for them going forward.

These are minimum standards for a broadcaster operating in our state. If Sinclair can’t abide by them they should step aside for an operator who will.

What You Can Do:

If you’re a viewer: Call NBC 10 General Manager Vic Vetters at 401-455-9540 and tell them you want ABC 6 to stay distinct and that you want it to bargain a fair contract with its workers. Until they do so, tell them you won’t be watching either ABC 6 or NBC 10 and you won’t give interviews with either station except for the purposes of public or personal safety.

If you’re a politician or public figure: Sign our interview boycott pledge and call NBC 10 General Manager Vic Vetters at 401-455-9540 to tell them that you won’t be speaking with them except on matters of public safety until they pledge to preserve ABC 6 and reach a fair contract with their workers.

If you’re an advertiser with ABC 6 or NBC 10: Sign our boycott pledge and call NBC 10 General Manager Vic Vetters  at 401-455-9540 and tell them that your money won’t be coming back to either station until they pledge to preserve ABC 6 and reach a fair contract with their workers.