2007 Writers Guild of America strike
From TeeVeePedia, the Internet TV Encyclopedia.
The 2007 Writers Guild of America strike was a labor action started by the Writers Guild of America (WGA) in 2007. Both the Eastern and Western branches of the Writers Guild began their strike against the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) on November 5th of that year. The strike officially ended on February 12th, 2008, although writers such as Joss Whedon were far from satisfied with the results.
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Issues
The DVD Market
Over the years, the amount of money made by selling DVDs of old TV shows has increased exponentially. As of 2006, DVDs were the second product in terms of total sales at the typical Wal-Mart, behind only sales of lead-painted Chinese toys. Most of the profits from sales of DVDs go to Wal-Mart and to multi-media conglomerates such as Disney and News Corporation. Television writers, who are usually forced to eke out a living by taking a second job at the local Starbucks, hoped to increase their meager share of this windfall.
New Media
In addition to sales at brick-and-mortar retail outlets, television networks have also branched out to the Internet in search of profits. By selling downloads of shows such as Lost and Heroes to customers on their cell phones, once passé networks such as ABC and NBC have received an unexpected surge in popularity. The WGA is complaining because not only do their members receive no income from online sales, but the increased use of cell phones makes driving more hazardous than ever before.
Reality Television
Since the dawn of the 21st Century both network and cable television have broadcast an ever increasing number of reality television shows. The AMPTP argues that since reality shows are unscripted, they shouldn't owe the WGA any royalties. WGA members, having watched (and in some cases participated in) reality TV shows, would beg to differ.
Animated Shows
Even animated shows are a bone of contention, with the WGA arguing that they should receive a share of income from both primetime and Saturday morning programming. The AMPTP argues that since most animated programming is written in Japan and animated in Korea, the WGA should not receive a share of the profits.
Effect on Television Shows
During (and since) the strike, television is now mostly endless reruns, with lots of game shows thrown in for good measure.
Negotiations
While few people noticed the effect of the strike on primetime programming, the drop in the quality of late night programming was severe. The strike left such late-night personalities as Jay Leno, David Letterman and even Jimmy Kimmel without any material. In addition, the Comedy Central cable television network was forced to shut down early in January, leaving America's voters unsure of who to back in 2008 Presidential Debates. Confused viewers eventually demanded a settlement, once they realized what was going on.
Settlement
The two sides met in a hotel in Burbank, California in February 2008. After intense bargaining, it was agreed that the writers' share of DVD profits would increase from 1% to 1.1%. In addition, writers' pay was increased just enough to cover higher gas prices. Sick of walking around with picket signs all day, the WGA quickly ratified the agreement in a ceremony held at halftime of The Super Bowl.
Long-Term Effects of the Strike
Thanks to public outcry over the loss of their favorite programming, the WGA and the AMPTP agreed that never again would a strike of this magnitude affect Hollywood.
