AFTRA APPOINTS NEW NATIONAL MANAGER OF COMMUNICATIONS

LOS ANGELES (Feb. 5, 2009)—The American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (AFTRA), the people who entertain and inform America, announced today the hiring of Leslie Simmons as AFTRA National Manager of Communications.

Leslie previously worked as a reporter for The Hollywood Reporter and will be based in Los Angeles. As National Manager of Communications, Leslie will manage the daily operations of the National Communications Department, including coordinating with AFTRA Locals and National Departments on their communications needs and serving as managing editor of AFTRA's website and quarterly member magazine. She will report to Christopher de Haan, AFTRA National Director of Communications.

"We're pleased that Leslie is joining the AFTRA staff at such an important time in the industry," said Christopher de Haan. "Leslie's extensive coverage of legal and labor issues in the entertainment and media industries gives her an in-depth understanding of the issues confronting working performers. Her expertise in journalism will make an excellent addition to our team as we work to coordinate the goals and message of AFTRA industry-wide and among our many Locals across the country."

For the last 14 years, Leslie has worked as a journalist for various wire, print, and online publications throughout Los Angeles, including City News Service, Inside.com, and the Daily Journal. Most recently, Leslie was film, labor and legal reporter for The Hollywood Reporter, where she extensively covered the entertainment industry's labor relations, tracked film projects, and reported on various industry-related legal matters. She holds a bachelor's degree in Journalism from Long Island University in Brooklyn, NY, and is currently working toward a master's degree in Communication and Leadership from Gonzaga University in Spokane, WA.


About AFTRA
The American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, AFL-CIO, are the people who entertain and inform America. In 32 Locals across the country, AFTRA members work as actors, journalists, dancers, singers, announcers, hosts, comedians, disc jockeys, and other performers across the media industries including television, radio, cable, sound recordings, music videos, commercials, audio books, non-broadcast industrials, interactive games, the Internet, and other digital media. The 70,000 professional performers, broadcasters, and recording artists of AFTRA are working together to protect and improve their jobs, lives, and communities in the 21st century. From new art forms to new technology, AFTRA members embrace change in their work and craft to enhance American culture and society. Visit AFTRA online at www.aftra.com.

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