AFTRA Approves Terms for a New Digital Audiobook Agreement

LOS ANGELES – January 14, 2009—The American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (AFTRA) announced today an agreement covering performers working on audiobooks produced by Audible.com.

The agreement establishes minimum rates and employer contributions to the AFTRA Health & Retirement Plans for AFTRA members working on audiobooks produced by Audible.com, one of the Internet’s largest online distributors of audiobooks.

"This agreement with Audible.com will provide AFTRA members with even more opportunities to earn solid wages and accrue union health care and pension benefits," said Richard Ferrone, AFTRA New York member and Chair of the AFTRA National Audiobooks Caucus.

"Quality work by talented performers is key to the literate listening experience audible.com was founded to advance," said Donald Katz, Founder and CEO, Audible inc. "This new association will allow Audible's listeners around the world to hear the voices of AFTRA’s tremendous pool of gifted actors and audiobook narrators.”

The agreement, which is the first agreement between AFTRA and Audible.com was reviewed and unanimously approved in November by AFTRA’s Administrative Committee. This initial agreement will run through June 30, 2010.

In the past year, AFTRA members have successfully negotiated a number of important contracts, including the Sound Recordings Code, Network TV Code, Primetime Exhibit A of the Network Code, Non-Broadcast/Industrial Code, CBS/ABC Network Staff News and the AFTRA Interactive Media Agreement

About AFTRA
The American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, AFL-CIO, are the people who entertain and inform America. In 32 Locals across the country, AFTRA members work as actors, journalists, dancers, singers, announcers, hosts, comedians, disc jockeys, and other performers across the media industries including television, radio, cable, sound recordings, music videos, commercials, audiobooks, non-broadcast industrials, interactive games, the Internet, and other digital media. The 70,000 professional performers, broadcasters, and recording artists of AFTRA are working together to protect and improve their jobs, lives, and communities in the 21st Century. From new art forms to new technology, AFTRA members embrace change in their work and craft to enhance American culture and society. Visit AFTRA online at www.aftra.com.

AFTRA Partners & Events

AFTRA FOUNDATION

Learn how the AFTRA Foundation helps AFTRA Members and the arts.

Music Video Organizing

Learn more about the efforts to organize music videos.

INDUSTRY DISCOUNTS

AFTRA members get discounts on industry events and conferences.

AFTRA H&R

Providing health and retirement benefits for AFTRA members.