TV Networks, Unions Reach Accord

The three major television networks, which staged a walkout during contract talks in February, have reached agreement on a new three-year contract with the Screen Actors Guild and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists.

To break the impasse, negotiators for ABC, CBS and NBC agreed to sign the same contract as the Alliance of Motion Picture & Television Producers, which represents the major film and TV producers, provided that the networks and unions meet annually to review the status of network economics.

The contract with the networks covers prime-time dramatic programs that the networks produce or co-produce themselves. Not counting TV movies, these include ABC’s “The Commish,” NBC’s “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,” CBS’ “Evening Shade” and at least five series scheduled to debut in the fall.

What the networks want to continue to discuss is the disparity between residual payments for shows that they broadcast and those that are carried on their rival, Fox, which is not considered a true network under Federal Communications Commission regulations. The networks must pay 100% residuals upon the first rerun of their shows, whereas producers of shows that air on Fox pay only 40% of the original salary.

“All we’re asking for is a level playing field,” an ABC spokesman said Tuesday.

But for now, the networks are agreeing to pay at the going rate, with hopes of working something out in meetings next year.

The contract, which goes into effect July 1, was overwhelmingly approved last month by SAG and AFTRA members. The decision by the networks to sign the agreement does not require a new vote, union spokesmen said.