EXCLUSIVE: The podcast world is becoming further unionized.
Earlier this year, SAG-AFTRA introduced two contracts that covers podcasts – the Independent Podcast Agreement and the MicroPod Agreement.
The Table Read podcast, which offers writers the chance for their unproduced scripts to be discovered, has become one of the first to sign the Independent Podcast Agreement with the union.
It means that the actors, comedians, musicians, and influencers that perform on the Table Read podcast are now covered. This gives them essential protections, respectful working conditions, and equitable compensation for their contributions. It also means that the performers have access to the support and resources provided by SAG-AFTRA.
The agreement protects against the unauthorized use of their voices through digital duplication and AI technologies and ensures that compensation received contributes to their eligibility for union healthcare and pensions.
The Independent Podcast Agreement covers podcasts of any genres on any platforms including those with a budget or revenue exceeding $10,000 per season.
Benefit contributions are accepted under this agreement at a 20% contribution rate and are capped at $15,000 per episode or $100,000 per season, per performer.
Table Read comes from exec producers Jack Levy, who produced iHeartMedia’s Kelsey Grammer-voiced series The Lower Bottoms, former MTV exec Mark Knell and Shaan Sharma, who stars in hit Christian drama series The Chosen.
It is produced by Levy and Knell’s Manifest Media Productions. Scripts are sourced from writers and showrunners as well as Coverfly.
Table Read has also formed partnerships with international production companies and is set to record live performances in cities around the world.
SAG-AFTRA National Executive Director Duncan Crabtree-Ireland said, “We’re so pleased that Table Read podcast has signed on as a SAG-AFTRA podcast, allowing the performers who work on this creative series the benefits and protections of a union contract.”
Levy added, “We’re thrilled to be one of the first major podcasts to partner with SAG-AFTRA using their new Independent Podcast Agreement. Our partnership ensures that we can continue to attract top talent, both on the production and performance sides, while providing a high-quality listening experience for our audience.”
