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Writers Strike Finally Over

Writers Guild of America logoWe can officially start the jig now.

After more than 3 months on the picket lines, the has finally announced an end to their strike.  Of the 3,775 votes cast, 92.5% elected to stop the walkout.  This means WGA members can resume doing what they do best starting tomorrow.

While it may be weeks before we see new episodes of our favorite shows, this news will immediately affect those programs that churn out daily fare.  This means we should expect to see the return of late-night monologues ASAP.  Meanwhile, the folks behind anticipate a brand new show come Feb. 23rd.  (Of course, in true SNL fashion, that will probably be followed up by a repeat the following weekend.)

Of course, we could be revisiting this whole work stoppage issue again at the end of June; that’s when the current contract between SAG/AFTRA and the is set to expire.

But let’s just think happy thoughts until then, okay?

Read More | Variety

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Could the Writers Strike Really Be Ending?

Posted by K.C. Morgan Categories: Award Shows, News

Writers Strike photoThe has just dropped two of their demands: proposals to unionize and writers. This brings us all right back to the central issue: Internet and new-media revenue. By the Guild’s own admission, this concession (which comes only after the writers were repeatedly asked to make just this concession) is an olive branch - everyone wants the strike to end. Negotiations will continue this week as both sides try to reach some conclusion.

The writers have also made the decision not to picket the ceremony, which bodes well for the rest of the season. The striking writers, so far, have not agreed on an interim deal which will allow them to be a part of the spectacle. But there does seem to be some hope on the horizon…at last.

Read More | LA Times (Registration Required)

Award Shows Must Go Writer-Free

Posted by K.C. Morgan Categories: Award Shows, Gossip, News

Academy AwardIf can go on , so can the awards shows. At least, that’s the hope.  The striking will not be involved in either the or the —at least not this .

Producers asked that writers be allowed to contribute despite the strike, and though the announcement is not yet official, members of the WGA say that’s not going to happen. The Golden Globes reps say there might still be some way the writers can participate, and hope to work out an agreement with the Guild.

Not only will the telecasts be deprived of all those witty written jokes during telecast, the stalemate with the writers could leave the shows without participants.  Union actors wouldn’t want to cross picket lines to make presentations (doing so wouldn’t be union-friendly) while winners may choose not to accept their awards.

Read More | Hollywood Reporter

No Deal: Writers and Producers No Longer Talking

Posted by K.C. Morgan Categories: Reality, News

Writers StrikeAll the channel-flipping in the world doesn’t help when there’s nothing new to watch on TV. Despite an attempt by both parties to negotiate new contract terms, the writers and producers have again failed to reach agreement.

The new talks lasted a little over a week, but the situation isn’t at all improved. Neither side is willing to give in to the other, which doesn’t bode well for future TV-watching. There are over ten thousand writers on the picket lines, but they only represent part of the story. Many other workers in the industry remain without pay as the writers hold their signs, which puts a real damper on any sort of holiday cheer for these laborers. More than fifty shows have already been completely shut down by the strike, and there’s no end in sight.

FOX has already suffered programming gaps which pushed new reality shows to the forefront; if the strike continues to drag the entire 2008 season could be in jeopardy.

Read More | LA Times

Party Politics and the Writer’s Strike

John Kerry, Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton debatingThis is how it works. The Writer’s Guild of America has gone on strike. For most of us, this means that shows like House, 24, and a whole host of others won’t be on the air. But the writer’s strike has a bigger effect, and not just on our TV watching. Not only will this strike begin to effect the economy, but now it’s affecting the future of our nation. Because when party politics mixes with a writer’s strike, no one gets to benefit.

Let’s talk about Democrats. Support for unions is one of the bedrocks of the party – in fact, no self-respecting Democratic politician would ever be seen crossing a picket line. And right now, there are plenty of picket lines in front of TV studios. How does it affect you? If you’ve been looking forward to another Democratic primary Presidential debate (and there’s one scheduled December 10), you may wind up disappointed. Hosted by CBS News, this particular debate was scheduled many months in advance. But the Democratic contenders who will appear in the debate absolutely will not cross a picket line. That’s party politics.

Click to continue reading Party Politics and the Writer’s Strike

Read More | Hollywood Reporter

Daytime TV Hosts Forging Past Picket Lines

Writer's Strike pictureThe is still raging on, but several notable daytime TV hosts don’t seem to care. At least, they are walking through the picket lines to continue with their work. The writers’ guild has publicly rebuked Ellen DeGeneres for these actions, though she is not the only host to walk past the strikers. Oprah Winfrey and Rachel Ray are also keeping their shows going, so The Ellen DeGeneres Show still has some ratings competition.

Ellen has canceled some New York shows, but her studio in LA remains open. DeGeneres says she’s remaining open to support her staff, as a mind-boggling 135 individuals depend upon her show’s production to keep their own paychecks coming. Her actions, however, and the actions of other daytime hosts, are not endearing to striking writers.

Read More | AOL News

Writers Strike Begins

Posted by K.C. Morgan Categories: Daytime, Late Night, News

DescriptionIt’s official – the has gone on strike after negotiations with the failed.  Picketers will make their stance in New York City and Los Angeles until a deal can be reached. Writers are demanding more revenue from DVD sales, but the producers refuse to give in. Late night talk shows will be the first to stop airing new episodes, as these programs remain very current in news and events. Daytime TV, which tapes about a week’s worth of shows in advance, will be the next casualty of the strike. Most studios have dozens of scripts stockpiled for favorite TV series and new movies, enough to last until early next year. The strike may set a precedent for the , as contracts are scheduled to run out next June.

Read More | Yahoo News

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