The Writer's Strike

The Writer's Strike that's going on right now: what's the deal? Over the last couple of years, the networks have started hosting streaming episodes of shows on their websites. These streamed shows include ads that generate revenue for the networks, though at present, writers do not receive any compensation for streamed shows. However, the writers want to be paid for their work.

The Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers claims that it's too difficult to determine a method of paying writers for the new media right now. They say it would cost them too much. These are the basic facts.

Strikes are bad for everyone. Analysts are saying that if this strike goes on for long, a lot of our favorite shows will be postponed. How is this going to affect viewers? Some may watch a few more movies until their shows are back on. Some will watch re-runs, or a different show they like less. A lot of people will change their viewing habits completely, meaning that once the shows come back on the air, viewers won't ever turn them on again. Ratings for late-night shows, sitcoms, and prime-time series will be very low once they come back.

How much money do the writers stand to make with lower ratings? What about when the shows cancel? And when they're out of work?

As mentioned, one of the reasons the writers are 'losing' money is because of the internet. Ironically, because of the strike, the GOP debate this month will be on YouTube. This huge event will draw thousands of viewers to the internet, many for the first time. 'Click and Play' is much more convenient than making sure you're home and free at nine o'clock every Monday night. Once more people discover the ease of viewing news, shows and movies online, TV will be seeing even less viewers than ever. How deep of a hole are the writers willing to dig?

Carson Daly is resuming his show in spite of the strike. He is calling upon non-guilded writers to help with material. The Writers Guild of America is very disappointed with his decision, though I applaud him. His move may be more of a publicity stunt (Carson Daly has a show?), but I admire him. He's telling the guilded writers that he doesn't need them.

There are plenty of fantastic writers out there who aren't associated with a guild. How many lower-paid writers would be willing the cross the lines and join successful shows? I know I would - in a second, union or not. Strike or not. Each and every one of those writers is choosing not to work, so I suggest hiring people who want to work.