Steve Katsos
for
IBEW Local 1228
Business Manager

Steve Katsos
IBEW Local 1228

March 15, 2026

My name is Steve Katsos and I am the Assistant Business Manager for IBEW Local 1228. I've worked as a union technician for CBS and FOX for over 30 years. I helped organize the local sports television workforce across seven companies providing work in the Boston area. I fought to increase wages and benefits as a union negotiator for news and PBS stations in New England. If elected by our membership in June, I would be honored to be your IBEW Local 1228 Business Manager. Thank you for your time, your consideration, and all your support over the years.
-Steve Katsos

About

My IBEW Story

Union Technician

Proud IBEW Member

I've been a proud IBEW member for over 30 years working as a technician with CBS and FOX on network sports and news productions. I was honored to work in the Boston Red Sox dugout during the 2004 World Series, where my FOX audio group won a Sports Emmy for live sound production. I've seen the Patriots win several playoff games over the years working on the sidelines as an A2 at Gillette Stadium. I was humbled to be invited to work with the CBS News audio group in Washington D.C. on the State of the Union address in 2021.

I've also worked over the years in local sports and news TV productions for non-union companies. As the business of television evolved, it was clear to see that companies under a union contract paid more, treated workers better, and offered benefits to freelancers. I always felt most respected on the IBEW shows. And I made sure to bring that message everywhere I went.

Union Organizer

Proud IBEW Staff Member

Fourteen years ago, I was approached by Business Manager Fletcher Fischer and Assistant Business Manager John Murphy of IBEW Local 1228. They asked me to join their staff as an organizer to help bring the union to all the local sports television production companies. It was a part-time job, but it turned out to be the most important part-time job I would ever take.

We were able to organize all the TV companies that covered professional sports in Boston for the MLB, the NBA, the NHL, and MLS. Technicians on these shows now would be guaranteed yearly raises, better working conditions, and for the first time, freelancers received medical contributions and a 401(k).

Assistant Business Manager

Proud IBEW Leader

Now, I've worked with some amazing people over the years, and I was honored when they elected me as a 2021 Delegate to the national IBEW Convention in Chicago. I took everything I learned at that convention to help our local increase union benefits, and I was able to get our members the first defined-benefit pension for IBEW sports technicians in the country. This was in addition to their 401(k).

Financial Stability

I believe that we can take our current bank balances and put them into investments so that we can start to make more money to help fund the union. There are institutions like the Bank of Labor that offer unions the ability to set up investments or even a trust. Building up our finances is important so that we can afford the costly legal battles that await our union in the future. We must be ready to fight for our members.

Training & Apprenticeship

Applying for a training grant in Massachusetts is a great way to establish a training program for the next generation by targeting high school and college students interested in the television broadcast industry. The IBEW also has avenues to create a new union apprenticeship program to help our current technicians move up into more advanced positions. We would be the first Television IBEW local to set up these programs and I want to help bring them to fruition.

Membership Growth

There are other television shops and stations that have gained interest in the work we have been doing over the years to protect our members. They see the value that we bring to our station employees and our freelancers. We should continue to communicate with these groups and prepare to help them organize when they are ready. Our mission should always include teaching others how the union can make their lives better through representation.

Endorsements

"It is often difficult to identify a single moment or individual that creates a dramatic shift in an entire market, but that is not the case here in Boston. The pivotal moment was our organization with the IBEW, and the key person involved is Steve Katsos. I can think of no one better than Steve to lead the Boston television market as our new Business Manager."

-Tom Kruc, Vice President, IBEW Local 1228

"Steve is dedicated to negotiating the strongest contracts possible and ensuring that members receive the wages, benefits, and protections they deserve. He understands the challenges facing broadcast technicians today and has the experience, relationships, and leadership needed to guide the local forward.

In my experience working alongside him, Steve has consistently demonstrated the qualities that make an effective union leader: commitment, fairness, strong communication, and a deep respect for the membership."

-Jim Ryan, Business Agent, IBEW Local #5 Pittsburgh