Can anybody tell me if a non-compete holds any water in NY State? I'm sure a few of you have been down this avenue before....
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Non-competes in radio
- Thread starter bandontherun
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bandontherun said:
I'm not sure I understand your question. When you mean non-compete are you referring to public radio stations? As for holding water, do you mean having any influence with state lawmakers?
Many public stations do have influence with lawmakers in Albany because these stations will feature them on local talk programs and also in the news since most NPR affiliates have local news operations and talk shows. However with the state budget deficit in the billions, and the governor wanting to cut state aid to public broadcasters, it might be difficult for some lawmakers to justify spending tax dollars to keep public radio afloat while other agencies are left in the lurch.
No, I'm talking about salespeople and sales managers who are employed at radio stations, so this refers to employment non-competes
The Voice of Reason said:
Wow. One-track mind, much?
State lawmakers outlawed most broadcast non-competes last year. I'm not certain that includes salespeople as well as talent. If it were my career at stake, I'd probably drop a few bucks and get a solid opinion from a lawyer.
(And, Voice, for whatever it's worth, I don't think I've ever heard of a non-compete clause in a public radio contract.)
I agree, check with an attorney. A non-compete is just that - and a fine line will determine what constitutes a competitive "employment situation". IMHO, in our present environment, I don't think ANY will hold water due to the interference in the ability to make a living - especially in a layoff situation.Scott Fybush said:
bandontherun said:
My apologies for contributing to the jacking of your thread. Allow me to try to atone with some actual information.
At least the way it's reported here, it looks like the law passed last year covers broadcasting sales employees - as long as they're not management-level:
http://www.tradesecretslaw.com/2008...noncompete-agreements-for-broadcast-industry/
Here's more:
http://www.nyemmys.org/en/art/27/
Of course, none of this can or should replace the advice of a competent lawyer with actual knowledge of your contract situation...
B
Bob1370
Guest
Bottom line...unless you're in top management, non-competes last only for the duration of the contract and die when the contract expires. You can't jump a contract that's still in force but you can't be held, or kept on the shelf, beyond the expiration date of the deal. Sales people, air talent, tech talent, all become free agents unless they're either doubling as senior management or holding a substantial equity stake in the company (and in the latter case you're not going to be competing with yourself in any event).
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