THE CARROLL NEWS: Is a settlement on the horizon? An update on the Writers Strike

Is a settlement on the horizon? An update on the Writers Strike
================================================================================
Emily Wagner on 07 February, 2008 02:00:00
 
The Screen Actors Guild Awards, what could have been a prime moment for protest,
took viewers back to a time before the writers strike.
As celebrities walked down the red carpet sporting the hottest designers’
latest creations, spectators at home could not help but believe that an end to
the strike is just around the corner.
On the red carpet, the actors were even talking about a potential end to the
strike that has put thousands of people out of work.
And, it looks like this hope is on the horizon of coming true. In an interview
with TVWeek, CBS President-CEO, Leslie Moonves, admitted to being optimistic
that the writers will reach an agreement in the next couple months.
A sign indicating that the end of the writers strike is near is that CBS is
going ahead with the Grammy’s. Also, even though actors are supportive of
the Writers Guild of America, they are hopeful the Academy Awards will take
place as planned this year.
Although negotiations broke down Dec. 7, 2007, discussion picked up a couple
weeks ago and seems to be moving in the right direction. A deal was recently
reached with the Directors Guild of America regarding the issue of compensation
when it comes to the Internet. This negotiation gives Americans hope that a
resolution with the WGA is in the near future.
Although a few months is a short time in the media world, how much longer can
fans go without “Grey’s Anatomy” on Thursday or the very juicy
“Gossip Girl” Wednesday?
Many networks have resorted to showing reruns in order to keep their viewers
and ratings up.  Also, ABC has recently joined the list of networks that have
cut back on their list of pilot scripts in order to save money during this time.
CBS, CW and Fox have already made the cuts.
Sophomore Chelsea Getts reacts to the writers strike. “The biggest impact
the strike has had on me would be losing the times where I am able to get
together with my friends to kick back and relax while watching the show of the
moment,” she said.
So, will the continued strike force audiences to find other forms of
entertainment?