Robert N EmersonUpdates on the Writers' Strike
November 28th 2007 00:14
Readers of this blog will undoubtedly be aware of the strike by the Writers Guild of America, now in its fourth week. There is a glimmer of hope in sight, as three planned days of negotiation began this morning.
The first casualty of the strike were Late Night Talk Shows, which operate on short-lead times and topical comedy. I ama junkie an aficionado of this genre, and four weeks without a Daily Show or Colbert Report fix has left me in severe withdrawal.
However, not all shows of this ilk are staying blacked-out - Last Call with Carson Daly is set to return with new episodes next week. Daly is not a member of the WGA, and has been under pressure by NBC to return to his post, in order to save the jobs of his non-writing staff members. It is a move likely to draw criticism, much like embattled host Ellen DeGeneres, who has been slammed for continuing to tape her programme. Its a difficult situation for those in such positions, who have to consider their own contractual obligations, as well as the livelihoods of their staff.
The nature of the medium of television means that this strike is having, and will continue to have, a profound effect on many shows. Like every dispute, some will fare better than others. Reality TV is the real winner - ratings are already increasing, and it is likely that, as time goes on, there will be no new episodes of high-rating scripted dramas and comedies to oppose it.
Shows that have the most to lose are 'legacy' programmes - those entering their final year. A prolonged strike may mean that these shows will lack the resolution and send off that they deserve. Scrubs falls into this category, and it would be immensely sad if such a beloved show is unable to give its loyal fans closure.
I support the writers in their strike, and I hope that an acceptable and fair deal is negotiated soon. Not just for the sake of the programmes I love, but also for the writers themselves, and the countless other workers that are currently struggling. If you want to read more about the strike from those in the thick of it, check out United Hollywood.
*Image courtesy of Wikipedia, and used under Fair Dealing to illustrate the subject in question.
The first casualty of the strike were Late Night Talk Shows, which operate on short-lead times and topical comedy. I am
However, not all shows of this ilk are staying blacked-out - Last Call with Carson Daly is set to return with new episodes next week. Daly is not a member of the WGA, and has been under pressure by NBC to return to his post, in order to save the jobs of his non-writing staff members. It is a move likely to draw criticism, much like embattled host Ellen DeGeneres, who has been slammed for continuing to tape her programme. Its a difficult situation for those in such positions, who have to consider their own contractual obligations, as well as the livelihoods of their staff.
Will we get to properly farewell the characters of Sacred Heart?*
Shows that have the most to lose are 'legacy' programmes - those entering their final year. A prolonged strike may mean that these shows will lack the resolution and send off that they deserve. Scrubs falls into this category, and it would be immensely sad if such a beloved show is unable to give its loyal fans closure.
I support the writers in their strike, and I hope that an acceptable and fair deal is negotiated soon. Not just for the sake of the programmes I love, but also for the writers themselves, and the countless other workers that are currently struggling. If you want to read more about the strike from those in the thick of it, check out United Hollywood.
*Image courtesy of Wikipedia, and used under Fair Dealing to illustrate the subject in question.
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