The Association of Independents in Radio (AIR) Partners with Tape Syncers United (TSU) to Expand Industry Rate Guides
The Association of Independents in Radio (AIR) is excited to announce its new partnership with Tape Syncers United (TSU), strengthening its commitment to fair compensation standards in the audio industry. This collaboration integrates TSU’s tape sync rate recommendations into AIR’s comprehensive rate guide, offering greater transparency and consistent pay standards for audio professionals.
“We are thrilled to adopt the Tape Syncers United Rate Guide as part of our industry resources,” said Erin McGregor, Program Manager at AIR, who is leading the rate guide work. “TSU’s grassroots approach and collective decision-making process provide a dynamic model that ensures rates remain relevant and equitable year after year. This partnership enhances our ability to support audio professionals with up-to-date compensation benchmarks.”
AIR’s Rate Guide has served as a trusted industry resource for producers, editors, sound designers, engineers, mixers, fact-checkers, and entrepreneurs. TSU’s collaborative rate-setting process ensures that tape sync rates reflect current market conditions, supporting sustainability and equity.
TSU regularly hosts meetings where members collaboratively determine suggested rates. In its most recent update in early 2024, TSU raised the suggested minimum rate for a basic tape sync from $200 to $235, which includes a $35 equipment fee. This annual review reflects TSU’s commitment to fair compensation through collective advocacy. For more details, access the TSU Tape Sync Rate Guide.
“TSU is a proud community of tape syncers and producers from all over the world working together to help ensure both equitable and sustainable rates,” said Cory Choy, steering committee, Tape Syncers United. “Partnering with AIR is a natural and symbiotic step for us, and we are looking forward to everything this collaboration brings.”
About the TSU Rate Guide
The TSU Rate Guide was established by a grassroots coalition of audio producers and tape syncers, drawing members from AIR and various public radio, audio, and podcast communities, who recognized the need for more frequent and equitable rate updates in the industry. The guide represents a collective approach to rate-setting, with its global membership voting on changes at least annually. All TSU members commit to maintaining these established minimum rates, ensuring consistent professional standards across the industry. Through this collective action, TSU has created a living document that responds to market conditions while protecting the sustainability of tape sync services.
About The Association of Independents in Radio (AIR)
AIR supports independent audio professionals through advocacy, resources, and community-building initiatives. With tools like the Rate Guide, AIR empowers creators to build satisfying careers in public and private audio sectors. To learn more, visit airmedia.org
This is a press release which we link to from Podnews, our daily newsletter about podcasting and on-demand. We may make small edits for editorial reasons.