Local news on-air contracts

[panewswatcher69 26]

Would like a further explanation on the generic details of local on-air news personalities' contracts - including traffic, sports, weather, etc.- and I have a few questions. If a personality goes without a contract for an extended period of time, what's in the elapsed contract that keeps that personality on-air at that particular station during this time? Would they be in breach of the elapsed contract if they decided not to continue to fulfil the terms of the contract? If the elapsed contract has a non-compete clause, how is that part of the contract enforced? What makes the employer continue paying the personalities? Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.

[qunewsguy 376]

Contracts are always written in the company's favor. Companies typically will not allow a contract to lapse without cause. If your contract is up and the company doesn't renew, it pretty much means you're not wanted around anymore and will be let go. If your contract's up and you haven't been let go you might want to start packing your bags and looking for a new career, because the odds are you're just filling the seat until someone else comes along.

 

Non-compete clauses are only enforceable in the duration of the contract and for any additional time period (sometimes three to six months) after the end-date of a contract as specified within a specific clause. The non-compete is legally binding until the agreed-to period of time has passed. Non-competes aren't enforceable where states have made them illegal (though some companies may still try to include them hoping talent remains ignorant of state law).