For the first time in 15 years, the Writers Guild of America goes on strike

For the first time since 2007, the Writers Guild of America (WGA) is officially on strike. The WGA is striking for better pay and benefits after not being able to come to a deal with the Alliance of Motion Pictures and Television Producers (AMPTP). This strike affects Hollywood and many TV Shows on air and streaming today.

Many of the concerns from the WGA relate to the rise of streaming. Members of the WGA feel that the rise of streaming has negatively affected their compensation, such as residuals earned from episodes being streamed.  The WGA also has concerns about the regulation of AI and its usage on scripts. The WGA worries that studios may try to use AI to generate scripts and the AMPTP only agreed to study the issue.

Writers are also concerned that studios would stop making writing jobs stable, and only hire as if it was a gig job. This has been a big concern for numerous writers. Many have stated they do not make enough money from their writing jobs to afford rent and a comfortable living.

In solidarity with the WGA, many talk show hosts like Jimmy Kimmel and Jimmy Fallon have announced that no new episodes of their talk shows would be produced and aired during the duration of this strike. Even actors like Brett Goldstein from Ted Lasso have joined the writers on the picket lines.

The duration of the strike and its long-term impacts on Hollywood and TV are yet to be fully seen or understood.