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Television And Radio Commentators' Freedom Of Speech Not Infringed By Dues Requirement Of Union Shop Agreement. Buckley V. American Federation Of Television And Radio Artists, 496 F.2d 305 (2d Cir.), Cert. Denied, 95 S. Ct. 688 (1974)., Edwin M. Ceccarelli

Fordham Urban Law Journal

Plaintiffs, prominent television and radio commentators, were compelled to pay union dues and join the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (AFTRA) as a condition precedent to their public broadcasts. Plaintiffs sought declaratory and injunctive relief, alleging that this union shop requirement had a "chilling effect" upon the exercise of free speech and thus violated the first amendment. The United States District Court for the Southern District of New York ruled in plaintiffs' favor and declared that any provisions requiring plaintiffs to become members of AFTRA, pay dues, and comply with any regulations incident thereto were void and of …