Podcast•Mar 6, 2026•0 min
A Check-In with SAG-AFTRA President Sean Astin
SAG‑AFTRA president Sean Astin entered his term amid a storm of high‑profile disputes, from an FCC clash over Jimmy Kimmel’s monologue to the rise of synthetic performers and a retreat by OpenAI on a controversial opt‑out request. As the union negotiates its next contract, Astin is pushing for stronger wage protections, improved working conditions, and safeguards against AI‑driven copyright infringement. Meanwhile, media mogul David Ellison unveiled a plan to merge Paramount+ with HBO Max, a move aimed at tackling roughly $80 billion in debt but likely to trigger layoffs. The proposal also raises questions about leadership reshuffles at HBO, CNN’s uncertain future, and potential political interference.
