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American Idol Sued by Musicians' Union

American Idol honchos are in major trouble with Ricky Minor and the band. The American Federation of Musicians has hauled the show's producers into court over underpayment because they re-recorded live music for reruns and highlight shows.

The union's suit alleges American Idol Productions Inc. and subsidiary Tick Tock Productions violated the collective bargaining agreement in 2007 when they began replacing the show's live soundtrack with music from other musicians for use on clip shows and American Idol Rewind. The union claims producers did so without its knowledge or approval.

The suit seeks unspecified damages but the show's contract with the union requires that producers pay 75 percent of scale to musicians who appear on the show and rehearsals, with a decreasing percentage for each rebroadcast. — J.R. Whalen


Posted by The Idol Chatters
Jun 13, 2008 8:38 PM
the show's contract with the union requires that producers pay 75 percent of scale to musicians who appear on the show

because the #1 rated show can't afford to play by the rules. They can't seem to find any sponsors or sell all their spots. Heaven forbid they do a product placement. Yet, the musicians who have to learn a couple different arrangements each week, should be grateful to have a job. Complaining about a residual here or there just seems...inappropriate.
Posted by Sheldon
Jun 14, 2008 10:07 AM
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