and 12 NHL. Sinclair has also partnered with the
Chicago Cubs for the Marquee Sports Network,
which launched in February.
Their policy has drawn heavy criticism, especially
from the International Alliance of Theatrical
Stage Employees. The union represents
those who work in stage, motion picture and
television production, including sports.
“I think it’s a bad look to throw your hands up
and say good luck. We’ve seen all the other
networks chipping in,” said Charlie Cushing, an
audio technician from Minneapolis.
Sinclair purchased 21 Fox regional sports
networks last August for $9.6 billion from The
Walt Disney Company. The sale was part of
the Justice Department’s terms for Disney’s
purchase of 21st Century Fox’s assets.
Sinclair is offering interest-free $2,500 loans to
nearly 1,000 of the freelancers who are eligible.
Those who take the loans will have up to
$250 deducted for each event they work once
sports resume.
Sinclair spokesman Ronn Torossian said the
program has been used by hundreds of
freelancers, which they’ve been happy to see.
Sinclair would have aired at least three times
as many games in April compared to other
networks. The company has not outlined what
its plan would be for technicians if games are
officially canceled and some of their rights fees
could be recouped due to clauses that exist in
most broadcast contracts.
“We determined that this initiative was what
our company could offer at this time. There is no
comparison to the sheer volume of games we
produce — approximately 5,000 professional