Members of the Crooked Media union, an affiliate of the Writers Guild of America East (WGAE), unanimously ratified their first contract, with gains including minimum starting salaries of $80,000, protections against AI and a minimum of 49 days of paid time off. The $80,000 minimum salary rises to $84,000 in 2027 and the three-year agreement includes an immediate 15% increase to base salaries; 30 days’ notice from the company if AI is to be used, increased health insurance coverage and a minimum of 13 weeks severance. The 61-member unit of Crooked Media produces podcasts including Pod Save America and Lovett or Leave It.