Strike update: Talks break down

On Friday, negotiations between Hollywood producers and writers stalled. Instead of an agreement that would end the five-week old strike, it seems the two sides are farther apart than ever on key issues.

Producers claim that the writers are simply stalling talks and being unreasonable in their demands, even wanting jurisdiction over reality TV. The writers claim producers aren’t listening to their demands on new media compensation such as Internet downloads.

I think I speak for all of us when I say, “Why can’t this be resolved?” Is it greed, years of resentment for past treatment, or a simple power struggle?

Whatever the underlying reasons, prolonging the strike is a detriment for the television genre. It means a schedule full of reality programs and game shows, which for the record, I refuse to watch.

On behalf of TV fans everywhere, I’m begging, folks, end this thing now. Call in Jimmy Carter, put on some Beatles music, and let’s try to all get along, shall we? If TV fans walk away from their favorite past time completely, while the two sides are fighting, the fans may not come back, ever. That would be a loss for writers and producers. And that’s something we can all agree on.

To read the official statement from the WGA after Friday’s talks, click here.

For AMPTP’s official statement, click here.

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