SAG-AFTRA Merger: Exclusive Interview with SAG President, Ken Howard

There is a lot of debate going on in the entertainment industry about the possible merger of the two main actors' unions in Hollywood:  Screen Actors Guild and the American Federation of Radio and Television Artists.  The current status is up for vote and I recently turned in my ballot.  I have voted for a merger several times in the past because I felt like the strength of unions has weakened since the 1950's and 1960's.  When the other mergers did not pass, the unions started to compete for contracts ultimately hurting the people they represent:  actors.  Now, as a host, many of my broadcast contracts, including The Web Files, fall under a SAG New Media contract.  While I do have certain reservations about some of the merger points, I did vote "yes" because I do not see any other option in order to keep our union relevant, viable, and strong through the next decade.  Last night, I caught up with Ken Howard, current SAG president, on the red carpet at the 20th Anniversary Alzheimer's Association, "A Night at Sardi's" at the Beverly Hilton. Right away, I hit him with the merger question.  Here is his exclusive response to Red Carpet Report and I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments section below on this hot topic:

Calling All SAG Actors!

Okay, tonight is the 18th Annual SAG (Screen Actors Guild) Awards and likely, the last one with this name attached to it since both boards of SAG and AFTRA (American Federation of Television and Radio Artists) have paved the way for a merger of the two unions.  I have always loved how SAG opens the show with various celebrities stating "I am a SAG actor" and The Hollywood Reporter often asks actors how they got their SAG card during their roundtable discussions. Well, it's nice, but it excludes the majority of us who represent the union.  I, in fact, am a member of SAG, but I am not an actor.  I am an entertainment reporter and a host.  We even utilized the SAG New Media contract for The Web Files, but I have had my SAG card since 1999 during my days in NY.  I'm thinking it's time we honor the little people too, so indulge me on this idea, please.

So, here's my fun project:  Tell me how you got your SAG card in the comments section below.  I will feature all of the stories at some point this week because it is fun to see what show, commercial, or industrial gave you your official union start and that coveted SAG card.  Make sure to include your name and the link to your website. And don't worry, I will be sharing my story too.  Stand up and represent, SAG.  Let your voice be heard!  Ready, set, go!