SAG AFTRA and Producers Agree to a One Year Extension of the Network Television Code

SAG-AFTRA and the four major television broadcast networks (ABC, CBS, NBC and Fox) and other producers have agreed to a one-year extension to the National Code of Fair Practice for Network Television Broadcasting Agreement (also known as the Network Television Code) effective July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2025. The agreement was scheduled to expire on June 30, 2024.

As part of the extension:

• All minimum rates shall be increased by 7% (including program fees, extra rehearsal rates, excess work day rates and overtime rates) for all classifications other than background actors and stand-ins.
• Minimum rates for background actors and stand-ins shall be increased by 11% (including program fees, extra rehearsal rates, excess work day rates and overtime rates).
• The contribution rate for the SAG-AFTRA Health Plan is increased by 0.5% effective Jan. 1, 2025.
• Substantial protections in artificial intelligence, similar to what was achieved in TV/Theatrical and Television Animation negotiations.
• The parties commit to beginning negotiations for a full three-year successor agreement to the Network Television Code no later than June 2, 2025.

The SAG-AFTRA negotiating committee consists of principal performers, background actors, stand-ins, promo announcers, singers and dancers.

The Network Television Code generates more than $200 million a year in covered member earnings and covers programming in nearly all television day parts as well as programming produced for streaming. Examples of current programs include dramas in first-run syndication, morning news shows, talk shows, serials (soap operas), variety, reality, contests, sports and promotional announcements. Current programs covered by this contract include Good Morning America, The Young and the Restless, Jeopardy, Saturday Night Live, The Masked Singer, The Voice, Dancing with the Stars, Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, the Oscars and the Super Bowl, to name a few.