OPB - KMHD Creators Union
@opbkmhdcreators.bsky.social
We are the creators who make Oregon Public Broadcasting and KMHD Jazz Radio and we're bargaining for our first union contract.
Pinned
One issue in our first contract negotiation is compensation. OPB hasn't given us a proposal that addresses our concerns. Many of us struggle to make ends meet. Our current pay doesn't help alleviate the challenges we face. In the coming weeks, we’ll share more about the struggle our creators face.
We read a lot of station IDs each hour at OPB. Unit member and host of The Evergreen podcast, @jennchavez.bsky.social breaks down how we keep all of those towers running.
Today on @opb.org 's The Evergreen:
OPB's radio studios are in Portland, but broadcasts can be heard around the state. BUT HOW? How *does* OPB reach your ears in Bend, Burns & Baker City?
It's thanks to OPB broadcast engineers, who boldly weather the elements to maintain transmitters across Oregon.
OPB's radio studios are in Portland, but broadcasts can be heard around the state. BUT HOW? How *does* OPB reach your ears in Bend, Burns & Baker City?
It's thanks to OPB broadcast engineers, who boldly weather the elements to maintain transmitters across Oregon.
‘The Evergreen’: Radio vs. Nature
By now you’re probably used to hearing the long list of letters and cities that make up our station IDs. But how does all that actually work?
www.opb.org
December 7, 2025 at 12:30 AM
We read a lot of station IDs each hour at OPB. Unit member and host of The Evergreen podcast, @jennchavez.bsky.social breaks down how we keep all of those towers running.
Sukhjot @sukhjot.bsky.social shares her story for our “what our audience doesn’t know” series.
"There are countless things we spend our salaries on: rent, groceries, medical bills, child care, transportation. It's different, complex & frustrating for each person." -Sukhjot Sal OPB digital producer
"There are countless things we spend our salaries on: rent, groceries, medical bills, child care, transportation. It's different, complex & frustrating for each person." -Sukhjot Sal OPB digital producer
December 5, 2025 at 7:36 PM
Sukhjot @sukhjot.bsky.social shares her story for our “what our audience doesn’t know” series.
"There are countless things we spend our salaries on: rent, groceries, medical bills, child care, transportation. It's different, complex & frustrating for each person." -Sukhjot Sal OPB digital producer
"There are countless things we spend our salaries on: rent, groceries, medical bills, child care, transportation. It's different, complex & frustrating for each person." -Sukhjot Sal OPB digital producer
Reposted by OPB - KMHD Creators Union
Right now, Oregonians should listen very hard to @opbkmhdcreators.bsky.social union. The voices you hear on the radio at OPB are generally poorly-compensated, some working two jobs, and the wage gap between the CEO and the actual journalists is a gap of hundreds of thousands of dollars.
December 3, 2025 at 10:04 PM
Right now, Oregonians should listen very hard to @opbkmhdcreators.bsky.social union. The voices you hear on the radio at OPB are generally poorly-compensated, some working two jobs, and the wage gap between the CEO and the actual journalists is a gap of hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Congratulations to all involved!
After just over a year of bargaining, union employees at The Stranger, the Portland Mercury, EverOut, and Bold Type Tickets have just ratified their first-ever contract!
🥳 🎉 🥳 🎉
🥳 🎉 🥳 🎉
December 4, 2025 at 3:50 AM
Congratulations to all involved!
Unit member Bri Drennon shares her story for our “what our audience doesn’t know” series.
"My pay doesn't reflect Portland's cost of living, which means that on top of my full-time role, I work late nights and weekends DJing just to fill the gap." — Bri Drennon KMHD host/producer
"My pay doesn't reflect Portland's cost of living, which means that on top of my full-time role, I work late nights and weekends DJing just to fill the gap." — Bri Drennon KMHD host/producer
December 2, 2025 at 6:53 PM
Unit member Bri Drennon shares her story for our “what our audience doesn’t know” series.
"My pay doesn't reflect Portland's cost of living, which means that on top of my full-time role, I work late nights and weekends DJing just to fill the gap." — Bri Drennon KMHD host/producer
"My pay doesn't reflect Portland's cost of living, which means that on top of my full-time role, I work late nights and weekends DJing just to fill the gap." — Bri Drennon KMHD host/producer
@bradleywparks.bsky.social is another one of our amazing unit members. He brings you The OPB First Look newsletter every day, does a ton of work behind the scenes, and is a general badass.
A judge rules the Coast Guard must return a rescue helicopter to Newport. The pipeline providing most of the Pacific Northwest's fuel is still shut down. Billups pleads not guilty. Blazers win. Here's what we're following on @opb.org today: www.opb.org/article/2025...
OPB’s First Look: Newport chopper update, plus a pipeline problem
A federal judge has ruled the U.S. Coast Guard must return a rescue helicopter to Newport. Here's your First Look at Tuesday's news.
www.opb.org
November 25, 2025 at 8:22 PM
@bradleywparks.bsky.social is another one of our amazing unit members. He brings you The OPB First Look newsletter every day, does a ton of work behind the scenes, and is a general badass.
@leahsottile.bsky.social is another talented member of our unit. She's an investigative journalist, author, and the co-creator of OPB's new series, "Hush."
Listen now at OPB.org/hush
Listen now at OPB.org/hush
Why was 18-year-old Sarah Zuber found dead 400 feet from her front door? And how is it possible, six years later, that no one knows what happened to her?
Hush, Season 2, "Love Thy Neighbor" — my investigation with @ryanjhaas.bsky.social — starts today.
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/e...
Hush, Season 2, "Love Thy Neighbor" — my investigation with @ryanjhaas.bsky.social — starts today.
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/e...
November 20, 2025 at 5:10 AM
@leahsottile.bsky.social is another talented member of our unit. She's an investigative journalist, author, and the co-creator of OPB's new series, "Hush."
Listen now at OPB.org/hush
Listen now at OPB.org/hush
Monica Samayoa shares her story for our “what our audience doesn’t know” series.
"Even after working long hours at OPB, I have spent countless weekends working a second job to make ends meet."
-Monica Samayoa, OPB reporter/producer
"Even after working long hours at OPB, I have spent countless weekends working a second job to make ends meet."
-Monica Samayoa, OPB reporter/producer
November 19, 2025 at 9:42 PM
Monica Samayoa shares her story for our “what our audience doesn’t know” series.
"Even after working long hours at OPB, I have spent countless weekends working a second job to make ends meet."
-Monica Samayoa, OPB reporter/producer
"Even after working long hours at OPB, I have spent countless weekends working a second job to make ends meet."
-Monica Samayoa, OPB reporter/producer
Jenn is another one of our incredibly talented unit members. She is the host of The Evergreen podcast and brings us this latest episode.
Today on @opb.org's The Evergreen:
You probably know a Rothko when you see it: abstract, colorful, rectangular. You might *not* know that Mark Rothko grew up in Portland & went to Lincoln HS — and now, he’s the namesake of a new wing of @portlandartmuseum.bsky.social.
From Malya Fass + Eric Slade:
You probably know a Rothko when you see it: abstract, colorful, rectangular. You might *not* know that Mark Rothko grew up in Portland & went to Lincoln HS — and now, he’s the namesake of a new wing of @portlandartmuseum.bsky.social.
From Malya Fass + Eric Slade:
‘The Evergreen’: Celebrating artist and Portlander Mark Rothko
Mark Rothko is known for his colorful abstract paintings of stacked rectangles with billowy borders and layered textures. His art has been auctioned for up to $186 million. His first ever solo exhibit...
www.opb.org
November 19, 2025 at 3:52 AM
Jenn is another one of our incredibly talented unit members. She is the host of The Evergreen podcast and brings us this latest episode.
@franciscabenitez.bsky.social shares for our "what our audience doesn't know" series.
"The journalists I work with make sacrifices to do this. Many, especially at struggling outlets in the PNW, eventually leave for a job that pays more and is less intense”
—Francisca Benitez
OPB digital producer
"The journalists I work with make sacrifices to do this. Many, especially at struggling outlets in the PNW, eventually leave for a job that pays more and is less intense”
—Francisca Benitez
OPB digital producer
November 18, 2025 at 9:27 PM
@franciscabenitez.bsky.social shares for our "what our audience doesn't know" series.
"The journalists I work with make sacrifices to do this. Many, especially at struggling outlets in the PNW, eventually leave for a job that pays more and is less intense”
—Francisca Benitez
OPB digital producer
"The journalists I work with make sacrifices to do this. Many, especially at struggling outlets in the PNW, eventually leave for a job that pays more and is less intense”
—Francisca Benitez
OPB digital producer
Reposted by OPB - KMHD Creators Union
Any time someone at work asks me if I'm going home for the holidays, I take great pride in asking them how I can afford to fly to Texas with the little OPB pays me.
Cc: @opbkmhdcreators.bsky.social
Cc: @opbkmhdcreators.bsky.social
November 16, 2025 at 8:21 PM
Any time someone at work asks me if I'm going home for the holidays, I take great pride in asking them how I can afford to fly to Texas with the little OPB pays me.
Cc: @opbkmhdcreators.bsky.social
Cc: @opbkmhdcreators.bsky.social
Donald Orr @notdonald.bsky.social shares his story for our “what our audience doesn’t know” series.
"My hope is that OPB comes to the table with a contract that compensates workers with livable wages, and allows our colleagues to have more financial stability"
-Donald Orr, OPB announcer/producer
"My hope is that OPB comes to the table with a contract that compensates workers with livable wages, and allows our colleagues to have more financial stability"
-Donald Orr, OPB announcer/producer
November 13, 2025 at 8:31 PM
Donald Orr @notdonald.bsky.social shares his story for our “what our audience doesn’t know” series.
"My hope is that OPB comes to the table with a contract that compensates workers with livable wages, and allows our colleagues to have more financial stability"
-Donald Orr, OPB announcer/producer
"My hope is that OPB comes to the table with a contract that compensates workers with livable wages, and allows our colleagues to have more financial stability"
-Donald Orr, OPB announcer/producer
Incredible work from OPB-KMHD Creators Union member @lmiller12.bsky.social.
It began with a simple idea: Follow a group of Oregon students from kindergarten to graduation. Today, OPB's 13-year project culminates in the release of a documentary, "Class of 2025: Growing Up In Oregon Schools," telling the story of a group of those students.
Class of 2025: Growing up in Oregon schools
OPB's hourlong documentary, Class of 2025: Growing Up In Oregon Schools, tells the story of 7 students as they move through the state's public education system.
www.opb.org
November 8, 2025 at 8:53 PM
Incredible work from OPB-KMHD Creators Union member @lmiller12.bsky.social.
Meg Samples-Morrow shares her story for our “what our audience doesn’t know” series.
"The people bringing you jazz around the clock are struggling to make ends meet ourselves."
-Meg Samples-Morrow, KMHD host/producer @megsamples.bsky.social
Continue reading ⬇️
"The people bringing you jazz around the clock are struggling to make ends meet ourselves."
-Meg Samples-Morrow, KMHD host/producer @megsamples.bsky.social
Continue reading ⬇️
November 6, 2025 at 7:14 PM
Meg Samples-Morrow shares her story for our “what our audience doesn’t know” series.
"The people bringing you jazz around the clock are struggling to make ends meet ourselves."
-Meg Samples-Morrow, KMHD host/producer @megsamples.bsky.social
Continue reading ⬇️
"The people bringing you jazz around the clock are struggling to make ends meet ourselves."
-Meg Samples-Morrow, KMHD host/producer @megsamples.bsky.social
Continue reading ⬇️
This is great news.
But don't let it get lost that the staff that make up The OPB-KMHD Creators Union are the ones who go on the air multiple times a year to ask for that financial support. #unionstrong
But don't let it get lost that the staff that make up The OPB-KMHD Creators Union are the ones who go on the air multiple times a year to ask for that financial support. #unionstrong
OPB has closed this year’s $5 million budget gap created when Congress ended federal funding. Our work is not done. A strong future for free and fair journalism requires your support.
https://www.opb.org/pressroom/presidents-update-funding-cut-update-building-trust/
https://www.opb.org/pressroom/presidents-update-funding-cut-update-building-trust/
November 6, 2025 at 5:17 PM
This is great news.
But don't let it get lost that the staff that make up The OPB-KMHD Creators Union are the ones who go on the air multiple times a year to ask for that financial support. #unionstrong
But don't let it get lost that the staff that make up The OPB-KMHD Creators Union are the ones who go on the air multiple times a year to ask for that financial support. #unionstrong
@lisaeffinwood.bsky.social shares her story for our "what our audience doesn't know" series.
"I don't want to have to choose between the job I love and financial stability. I want to work at OPB, sustainably, for the long term." - Lisa Wood, OPB Announcer/Programming Coordinator
Continue reading ⬇️
"I don't want to have to choose between the job I love and financial stability. I want to work at OPB, sustainably, for the long term." - Lisa Wood, OPB Announcer/Programming Coordinator
Continue reading ⬇️
November 5, 2025 at 7:27 PM
@lisaeffinwood.bsky.social shares her story for our "what our audience doesn't know" series.
"I don't want to have to choose between the job I love and financial stability. I want to work at OPB, sustainably, for the long term." - Lisa Wood, OPB Announcer/Programming Coordinator
Continue reading ⬇️
"I don't want to have to choose between the job I love and financial stability. I want to work at OPB, sustainably, for the long term." - Lisa Wood, OPB Announcer/Programming Coordinator
Continue reading ⬇️
This is such a unique and interesting story from OPB-KMHD Content Creator @joniaudenland.bsky.social.
These are the stories you will usually only hear on OPB.
These are the stories you will usually only hear on OPB.
Hundreds of singers gathered recently for the 34th Pacific Northwest Sacred Harp Singing Convention. They’re performing one of the oldest styles of American folk music, called shape note singing.
‘It’s just so intense’: Portland convention celebrates haunting art of shape note singing
Sacred Harp singers say they build community by singing 19th-century songs about death and the afterlife.
www.opb.org
November 4, 2025 at 11:22 PM
This is such a unique and interesting story from OPB-KMHD Content Creator @joniaudenland.bsky.social.
These are the stories you will usually only hear on OPB.
These are the stories you will usually only hear on OPB.
One issue in our first contract negotiation is compensation. OPB hasn't given us a proposal that addresses our concerns. Many of us struggle to make ends meet. Our current pay doesn't help alleviate the challenges we face. In the coming weeks, we’ll share more about the struggle our creators face.
November 4, 2025 at 6:10 PM
One issue in our first contract negotiation is compensation. OPB hasn't given us a proposal that addresses our concerns. Many of us struggle to make ends meet. Our current pay doesn't help alleviate the challenges we face. In the coming weeks, we’ll share more about the struggle our creators face.
Great reporting here from Creators Union member Tiffany Camhi. She follows all things education in Oregon and you can find more of her reporting at OPB.org.
As political divisions grow in the United States, civil discourse is getting harder to come by. But the art of debate is thriving in an unlikely place: prisons.
The art of debate is not lost at Oregon State Penitentiary
Supporters of prison debate clubs say teaching incarcerated adults how to engage in civil discourse helps them resolve conflict, understand different viewpoints and advocate for themselves in and out of prison.
www.opb.org
October 26, 2025 at 6:02 PM
Great reporting here from Creators Union member Tiffany Camhi. She follows all things education in Oregon and you can find more of her reporting at OPB.org.
@alexzee.bsky.social is one of our talented unit members. She reports on Portland city politics and here, brings us the latest on Mayor Wilson's shelter plan.
She's a critical part of the OPB newsroom, give her a follow!
She's a critical part of the OPB newsroom, give her a follow!
Mayors Wilson’s overnight shelters have a remarkable vacancy rate — some up to 80% empty on average night.
He says that’s a positive.
“I’ve told my team I need hundreds of empty beds every night.”
That’s because it will allow him to start enforcing the city’s public camping ban next month.
He says that’s a positive.
“I’ve told my team I need hundreds of empty beds every night.”
That’s because it will allow him to start enforcing the city’s public camping ban next month.
Portland Mayor Keith Wilson announces plans to open addiction recovery shelter beds
The beds will open as the mayor plans to begin enforcing the city’s camping ban.
www.opb.org
October 24, 2025 at 3:57 PM
@alexzee.bsky.social is one of our talented unit members. She reports on Portland city politics and here, brings us the latest on Mayor Wilson's shelter plan.
She's a critical part of the OPB newsroom, give her a follow!
She's a critical part of the OPB newsroom, give her a follow!
Meet Kami Horton
She's been with OPB for 20+ years and has produced for OPB's series "Oregon Experience" since 2006. She finds meaning in researching and telling the often overlooked stories of our state. Kami says "I love what I do, and I know that is true of many of OPB's dedicated employees."
She's been with OPB for 20+ years and has produced for OPB's series "Oregon Experience" since 2006. She finds meaning in researching and telling the often overlooked stories of our state. Kami says "I love what I do, and I know that is true of many of OPB's dedicated employees."
October 20, 2025 at 7:15 PM
Meet Kami Horton
She's been with OPB for 20+ years and has produced for OPB's series "Oregon Experience" since 2006. She finds meaning in researching and telling the often overlooked stories of our state. Kami says "I love what I do, and I know that is true of many of OPB's dedicated employees."
She's been with OPB for 20+ years and has produced for OPB's series "Oregon Experience" since 2006. She finds meaning in researching and telling the often overlooked stories of our state. Kami says "I love what I do, and I know that is true of many of OPB's dedicated employees."
Tuesday, we attended the OPB Board of Directors meeting in solidarity.
We sent a letter to the board asking them to invest in us, the creators of the content our communities rely on. We haven't received a response. Read the letter here.
We are determined to get the contract we deserve!
We sent a letter to the board asking them to invest in us, the creators of the content our communities rely on. We haven't received a response. Read the letter here.
We are determined to get the contract we deserve!
October 16, 2025 at 11:49 PM
Tuesday, we attended the OPB Board of Directors meeting in solidarity.
We sent a letter to the board asking them to invest in us, the creators of the content our communities rely on. We haven't received a response. Read the letter here.
We are determined to get the contract we deserve!
We sent a letter to the board asking them to invest in us, the creators of the content our communities rely on. We haven't received a response. Read the letter here.
We are determined to get the contract we deserve!
Meet Bryson Wallace
@brysonwallace12.bsky.social
An artist from Bakersfield, CA, and vinyl Dj for 20 years now in Portland. He's the radio host of Positive Vibrations on KMHD in addition to Videography, Editing, Social Media for the station and a community catalyst through sound and visuals.
@brysonwallace12.bsky.social
An artist from Bakersfield, CA, and vinyl Dj for 20 years now in Portland. He's the radio host of Positive Vibrations on KMHD in addition to Videography, Editing, Social Media for the station and a community catalyst through sound and visuals.
October 16, 2025 at 5:10 PM
Meet Bryson Wallace
@brysonwallace12.bsky.social
An artist from Bakersfield, CA, and vinyl Dj for 20 years now in Portland. He's the radio host of Positive Vibrations on KMHD in addition to Videography, Editing, Social Media for the station and a community catalyst through sound and visuals.
@brysonwallace12.bsky.social
An artist from Bakersfield, CA, and vinyl Dj for 20 years now in Portland. He's the radio host of Positive Vibrations on KMHD in addition to Videography, Editing, Social Media for the station and a community catalyst through sound and visuals.
Reposted by OPB - KMHD Creators Union
I am very, very, very proud to be in a union with my hardworking colleagues at OPB & KMHD. Follow for updates & good vibes 😊
Hello BlueSky!
We’ve been bargaining our first contract for 16 months now. While we’ve made significant progress, we still remain far apart with management on important issues. Drop a comment with support and encouragement as we continue towards the contract we deserve!
We’ve been bargaining our first contract for 16 months now. While we’ve made significant progress, we still remain far apart with management on important issues. Drop a comment with support and encouragement as we continue towards the contract we deserve!
October 16, 2025 at 1:18 AM
I am very, very, very proud to be in a union with my hardworking colleagues at OPB & KMHD. Follow for updates & good vibes 😊
Meet Crystal Ligori
@cligori.bsky.social
Co-host of OPB’s ‘All Things Considered’ and narrator for the Emmy-winning video series, Superabundant.'
Crystal was a nosy youth, so it made sense she became a journalist. She’s a bit of a coffee snob, loves karaoke and is a fan of a good sweet treat.
@cligori.bsky.social
Co-host of OPB’s ‘All Things Considered’ and narrator for the Emmy-winning video series, Superabundant.'
Crystal was a nosy youth, so it made sense she became a journalist. She’s a bit of a coffee snob, loves karaoke and is a fan of a good sweet treat.
October 15, 2025 at 9:41 PM
Meet Crystal Ligori
@cligori.bsky.social
Co-host of OPB’s ‘All Things Considered’ and narrator for the Emmy-winning video series, Superabundant.'
Crystal was a nosy youth, so it made sense she became a journalist. She’s a bit of a coffee snob, loves karaoke and is a fan of a good sweet treat.
@cligori.bsky.social
Co-host of OPB’s ‘All Things Considered’ and narrator for the Emmy-winning video series, Superabundant.'
Crystal was a nosy youth, so it made sense she became a journalist. She’s a bit of a coffee snob, loves karaoke and is a fan of a good sweet treat.