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NFL Extends Agreement with CBS, Fox

June 11, 2009

An extension of the National Football League’s television deal with News Corp.’s Fox Sports unit and CBS Corp. will guarantee employment for IBEW members who work at the two networks through 2013.

The NFL agreed to the extension May 19. Fox Sports currently has broadcast rights to Sunday NFC games, while CBS has broadcast rights for Sunday AFC games. CBS also won rights to Super Bowl XLVII, one of TV’s most watched events, to be broadcast in 2013.

The agreement will keep those games on the two networks for an additional two years. The NFL is one of the biggest money makers in professional sports, so the extension means plenty of work for the IBEW.

“It’s a good deal because it will ensure our members will have work for the immediate future,” said Broadcast Department Director Ro Wratschko.

The IBEW represents camera operators, audio technicians, technical directors and other broadcast workers at Fox Sports’ and CBS sports’ divisions.

Workers at both networks are covered by three-year contracts. At CBS the contract will expire in 2010, while at Fox Sports it will expire in 2012.