The WGA Is On Strike

The Writers Guild of America (WGA) went on strike, which is pretty big news. The strike against the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTT) has caused many writers and produces to put down their pens and pick up a sign. More than 50 shows have had their staff picketing at one point over the last two days. The notables include The Office, Lost, Heroes, Grey's Anatomy, Desperate Housewives, and CSI. For the most part, this strike affects all shows besides reality shows, whose writers are not part of the WGA.

The reason the WGA is on strike is fairly legitimate. With all the new media today shows are available in so many more places. DVD seasons now are available for almost every primetime TV show, even if it is The Rules of Engagement. Also, the 4 major networks offer select shows on their websites for viewers to watch, for free! This is a great new development for the people who have that meeting every Monday at 9 and always miss Heroes. The WGA believes that with these new opportunities for shows to be viewed should give them a higher salary. Since there work can now be viewed in many more places, they should be paid for more than just their work on the TV. Until this problem is resolved, there won't be writing anytime soon.

While this may not seem like a big deal to some avid TV viewers, the big problem could occur in 2008. The Screen Actors Guild and Directors Guild of America both have contracts expiring. If these contracts aren't renewed, then all actors, directors, and writers in these guilds would be on strike. There would literally be no more movies or shows. That would be just too up setting. I am already upset enough that The Office production has closed down, I would not know what to do if it was gone forever. I think the writers deserve support, and they should keep fighting.