NEWS'Christmas in Rockefeller Center' May Be Cancelled
Dec. 1 2009, Published 9:46 a.m. ET
The union for NBC's producers, writers and technicians have vowed today that they will "pull the plug" on the network's Christmas in Rockefeller Center telecast, saying management (whom they've dubbed "The Grinch") has failed to bargain fairly with them over a new contract. The show includes dozens of celebrities appearances and the famous lighting of the Rockefeller Christmas tree.
The union has set up the website nbcstolechristmas.com in an attempt to "save Christmas" and are using online advertising and text messaging to help promote their efforts.
National Association of Broadcast Employees and Technicians (NABET-CWA) Local 11 president Ed McEwan said the union is angry about stalled negotiations for a new contract.
"We can't let the Grinch at NBC steal another Christmas from thousands of honest working people," McEwan said. "This charade must stop. Christmas is supposed to be a time of goodwill, but the network's management is trying to hide behind their fancy lights while leaving their employees in the dark."
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Jane Krakowski of 30 Rock and Zachary Levi of Chuck are scheduled to co-host NBC's 12th annual Christmas in Rockefeller Center telecast on Wed. at 8 p.m. ET.
The celebration is also scheduled to feature Michael Bublé, Aretha Franklin, Alicia Keys, Barry Manilow, Shakira, The Roots and The Radio City Rockettes.
