ABC News Digital Staff Unionizes Under Writers Guild of America East

The Writers Guild of America East (WGAE) announced that it has reached a collective‑bargaining agreement with American Broadcasting Companies (ABC) to represent the digital staff of ABC News. The roughly 50‑member bargaining unit, which includes digital reporters, editors, video producers and social‑media producers for ABCNews.com and ABC Network News’ social platforms, voted unanimously on July 31 to be represented by the WGAE.

WGAE President Tom Fontana said the agreement reflects a “productive and constructive” dialogue and will help protect workers as the news industry evolves. The unionization comes as ABC faces a Federal Communications Commission review of its broadcast licenses, but the primary focus of the deal is securing collective‑bargaining rights for the digital newsroom staff.