Breaking the Story: The True Cost of Low Compensation at America’s Leading Broadcaster
A recent publication titled "Breaking the Story: The True Cost of Low Compensation at America’s Leading Broadcaster" sheds light on the modest wages offered at Nexstar-operated stations.
Study Details and Participant Insights
Commissioned by NABET-CWA, the study involved surveying 109 employees across 14 Nexstar stations nationwide between February 20 and June 4, 2025.
Participants reported an average hourly wage of $22.88, with a median of $20.13. Notably, a quarter of respondents earn less than $18 per hour.
NABET-CWA indicates that Nexstar's wages are approximately 22% below the median for the most common roles surveyed. Workers also report frequently skipping breaks and working in departments with insufficient staffing.
Personal Accounts Highlight Challenges
Bob Pastecki of WROC in Rochester, N.Y., reflected, "When I began my career over three decades ago, I believed loyalty would be rewarded. Now, I realize that colleagues in other local union stations doing the same job earn about $3.56 more per hour—over $7,400 annually—that could support ...