Save the Writers , Save the Television

I'm not sure if this news have actually hit the shores of Singapore , but it is very very pertinent that we sit up and take note of this issue right now . Television Show Writers . ARE ON STRIKE . This is rather disturbing as this would actually mean that many television serials which we hold dear might end prematurely this season . Already , television shows such as "The Office" has stopped production and more shows are following suit . Once the networks are done screening pre-strike episodes of the current shows , there will be nothing left to watch as there are no new episodes . This strike however, is not a strike that is rooted in unrealistic demands , but it concerns the writers of television shows, getting the proper compensation .



"As of 12:01 am yesterday, our entire writing staff is on strike. That means that the pencils went down and there won't be any more scripts until our guild, the WGA, receives a fair deal from the studios and networks. The biggest sticking point is residuals on the internet and new media. Residuals are the amount a writer gets paid every time an episode or movie they wrote is rebroadcast. Right now there is no formula in place for internet downloads. So any episode of any show that you download on iTunes or other such services, or watch for free at one of the network's ad-supported websites, the writer gets nothing. I think we can all agree that is unfair."

While they are taking away my favourite TV shows , i think they should be supported and receive proper compensation for their hard work. The TV Networks in America have been making money and i see no reason why they are not extending this the writers .

For more information :
http://www.wga.org/subpage_member.aspx?id=2529
http://community.livejournal.com/ohnotheydidnt/17229253.html
http://unitedhollywood.com/