Candidate for Council, Online Media Sector
I’m David Lumb, reporter at CNET and I’m running to represent online media on the WGAE Council. I’ve been a member of the WGAE since 2020 and have been actively involved since. I’ve secured a contract for one media union and am about to bargain for another, secured online media events through the WGAE Activities Committee, and have supported online media members and units through the monthly Industry-Wide Committee. Amid layoffs and existential challenges in the media industry, building stronger ties between writers, units, and the larger WGAE has been my greatest honor.
I helped bargain Future Union’s first contract in 2020, pioneering online-only bargaining during the pandemic lockdowns alongside other WGAE shops. The contract secured pay increases that lifted wage floors to $50,000, up from a $40,000 floor that was unlivable in New York City — and enabled some of our lowest-paid members to stay in the industry. A year later, I joined CNET, only to help form the new CNET Media Workers Union. We’re preparing to bargain our first contract starting in October, which may be the first WGAE online media contract that includes AI protections.
Standing with union comrades at two workplaces to secure first contracts has shown me how crucial unionization is to protect our industry from the caprices of exploitative Managements and parent companies. We are stronger together, and I want to bring the momentum of inter-shop support to push for industry-wide change. As we support our screenwriting comrades currently on strike, we can work toward a better future for all writers.
If elected, I will:
- Push for more organizing of new shops in online media, podcast, nonfiction and animation
- Schedule more media speaker events and skill/organizing workshops
- Expand diversity, equity and inclusion trainings and resources for member units
- Regularly meet with media unit reps across WGAE to prioritize interests and convey needs to Council
- Encourage support and collaboration between online media and film, television and broadcast through the current strike and beyond
I am endorsed by fellow Online Media candidates for WGAE Council Sie Morley and Samantha Smylie. I support and firmly believe in all of this year’s Online Media candidates, who are a stunning group of leaders. No matter who is elected to Council, all of Online Media wins.
