Stephens Media Group Files an Unfair Labor Practice Charge against NABET

February 12, 2020

Tulsa, Ok.- Stephens Media Group (SMG) has filed an unfair labor practice charge against
NABET for refusing to bargain collectively with Stephens Media Group – Watertown, LLC and
Stephens Media Group – Massena, LLC.

“The previous, collective bargaining agreements expired almost two years ago. Yet, the union
refuses to bargain in good faith to reach new agreements,” said Stephens Media Group owner,
David Stephens. “We had no choice but to file these charges.”

These new charges come on the heels of the recent ruling by National Labor Relations Board
Administrative Law Judge, Charles J. Muhl. At the heart of Muhl’s ruling is whether or not SMG
and the union are at impasse over previously negotiated points. SMG claims the parties are at
impasse. Muhl ruled they were not.

“We believe SMG and the union are at impasse over the issue of who is going to control the
entertainment value of the stations. The union’s position is such that decisions should be based
on DJ seniority alone. SMG prefers a merit-based system whereby DJ’s are hired and air shifts
are filled based on their talent, for both live and voice tracked shifts,” said Stephens.

“To remain competitive, SMG needs the ability to program the stations as it sees fit. Talent, and
not seniority, should determine who gets to be heard on the air. The union refuses to negotiate
this point with SMG. Their failure to negotiate is a violation of the law and proof we are at
impasse,” Stephens said. “Further, the Unions refusal impacts our ability to expand and create
new, higher paying jobs for our employees.”

The National Labor Relations Board should rule on the matter within the next few months.