news
Log in [?]

Letter from ITVS Regarding INPUT

Dear Public Media Colleagues,

As you may know, INPUT has been caught in a labor dispute between the San Francisco Hilton Hotel and the hotel/restaurant Union Local 2. A recent communication to the field from Local 2 lays out the problem, but does not tell the whole story.

ITVS, the host of INPUT 2005, selected the Hilton over a year ago, well before the labor dispute began. Backing out of the agreement between ITVS and the Hilton would result in a minimum forfeiture of $663,000. ITVS continues to explore its legal and logistical options, but for now the loss of these funds—accounting for more than half of the money raised from
foundations, international consulates, government sources, and media partners—is not an option for us.

As an organization, we've spent 15 years committed to television that values economic and social justice. We've spent three years organizing INPUT, which champions those values on a global scale. We consciously chose a union venue. Now, we find ourselves in a position where we support employee health benefits; and yet, we must host this important conference.

INPUT, a non-profit, volunteer staffed global media exchange organization, is a 28-year-old international public media conference that is held each year in a different country. It was last held in the U.S. six years ago. The annual summit is dedicated to the proposition that television should
be public service in the public interest, and that access to the most honest, innovative, provocative, courageous and challenging broadcasting is a universal fundamental human right. As this year's host organization, ITVS is bringing the conference to San Francisco to strengthen ties between the American and international public interest media sectors, and
to foster effective public diplomacy in a time when diverse voices in international dialogue are urgently needed. The effort has drawn the support and involvement of 60 different countries, 58 international consulates, 55 media organizations, diverse funders and public media professionals from around the world.

One example of a conference attendee is Miranda Guadalupe of Mexico, a filmmaker and a member of that country's independent producer community who will be attending her first INPUT conference. Her film “Tales from the Inside” will be screened at the conference and looks at issues facing
women in Mexican prisons. Filmmakers like Miranda hope to reach out across national boundaries and affect change through INPUT 2005.

Over the past few days, Local 2 union supporters have launched an e-mail campaign to independent media organizations and producers, encouraging them to join in putting pressure on ITVS and INPUT to relocate the conference from the Hilton.

ITVS has worked in good faith with Local 2 to seek a viable alternative plan. We have also discussed our contractual commitment with the Hilton and encouraged them to settle with the union. So far, none of our best efforts have been successful.

ITVS asks that the members and supporters of the Local 2, the Hilton and interested community members consider the goals and mission which underlie our organization and the INPUT conference. We also ask for their help and support in reaching a viable solution to this untenable situation, as we believe that our goals and needs are compatible. We are confident that a
mutually agreeable resolution can be reached with the full and committed participation of all parties involved.

Sincerely,
Sally Jo Fifer
President, CEO, Independent Television Service (ITVS)

Starts
Ends
Homepage
Contact

Posted on March 22, 2005 in General News by shira