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Hawaii TV News People Worried About Their Jobs

September 4, 2009

The consolidation of three television news operations in Hawaii is putting the futures of more than 60 IBEW technicians and journalists in doubt.

KGMB, KHNL and KFVE will combine resources over the next few months in a merger creating the largest TV news operation in the state. The IBEW workers and more than 130 of their colleagues will have to re-interview for their jobs. At least 68 people will be cut, according to station managers.

"We knew this was coming, but it doesn't make it hurt any less," said Honolulu Local 1260 Business Manager Lance Miyake.

Television news operations across the U.S. and Canada are facing declining advertising revenue due to the sluggish economy. Broadcasting companies are agreeing to mergers or shared services agreements to help cushion against the tough economic times. In nearly every case, positions are being eliminated and employees laid off.

In Hawaii, it is still not clear who will stay and who will have to go. Those decisions will be made in the coming weeks, according to station management. The workers who keep their jobs will become employees of Raycom Media, based in Montgomery, Ala., and owner of KGMB and KFVE.

Leaders at Local 1260 have been taking part in the consolidation negotiations and, according to Miyake, are doing everything they can to make sure union members are treated fairly in a tough situation.

Photo used under a Creative Commons License from Flickr user Kanaka.