All that’s needed now is the signature of Gov. David Paterson (D) for non-compete restrictions on radio and television talent to be illegal in New York. The Broadcast Employees Freedom to Work Act passed both houses of the state legislature and will go to the governor, who is expected to sign it. The measure had been pushed by AFTRA, the union which represents many of those on-air personalities. Although several other states have banned non-competes, the New York law is particularly significant because so many network talents are based there. Not to mention that New York City is the nation’s largest local media market.
