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How Will TV Writers Work if TV is Dead?

Writer negotiations overshadowed by an Internet dominated future

By Asta Hostetter,  Newser User

Posted Nov 1, 2007 10:01 PM CDT
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(Newser) – TV writers could walk out any day now, leaving late night TV and topical shows like The Daily Show in the lurch, and one of the sticking points in their talks with entertainment producers is their demand for a larger slice of DVD and online video revenue. But as Saul Hansell of the NY Times points out, the Internet isn't done upending everything we know about showbiz moneymaking.

“If you can get any show on iTunes or on the Web, what is the value of reruns in syndication?” Hansell asks. Negotiations between producers and writers now will shape online entertainment later: Will fee based downloads beat out streaming with advertising? Will union talent price themselves out of a job? Will that lead to more experimental content, or less?

Apple Introduces New iPod
Apple Introduces New iPod   (Getty Images)
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced Wednesday, Sept. 12, 2007, that Jon Stewart, seen here in an August 22, 2007, file photo on the set of The Daily Show With Jon Stewart, in New York, will host the 2008 Oscar telecast airing in February.(AP Photo/Jason DeCrow)
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced Wednesday, Sept. 12, 2007, that Jon Stewart, seen here in an August 22, 2007, file photo on the set of "The Daily Show With Jon Stewart," in New...   (Associated Press)
Host Jay Leno, on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of The Tonight Show, announces that in 2009, he will be turning over the mike to NBC's Conan O'Brien, in this Sept. 27, 2004 file photo in Burbank, Calif. (AP Photo/NBC, Paul Drinkwater, File)
Host Jay Leno, on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of "The Tonight Show," announces that in 2009, he will be turning over the mike to NBC's Conan O'Brien, in this Sept. 27, 2004 file photo in Burbank,...   (Associated Press)
Stephen Colbert poses during the launch party for Stephen Colbert's AmeriCone Dream, his new Ben & Jerry's ice cream flavor, Monday, March 5, 2007 in New York. Colbert isn't saying he's running for president _ but claims he is thinking about it, and even has a running mate already picked...
Stephen Colbert poses during the launch party for "Stephen Colbert's AmeriCone Dream", his new Ben & Jerry's ice cream flavor, Monday, March 5, 2007 in New York. Colbert isn't saying he's running for...   (Associated Press)
Bolivian President Evo Morales, left, speaks with Daily Show host Jon Stewart, right, on Comedy Central's The Daily Show with Jon Stewart in New York, Tuesday Sept. 25, 2007. Morales's translator is seen at center. (AP Photo/Peter Kramer)
Bolivian President Evo Morales, left, speaks with Daily Show host Jon Stewart, right, on Comedy Central's "The Daily Show with Jon Stewart" in New York, Tuesday Sept. 25, 2007. Morales's translator is...   (Associated Press)
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Internet and DVD sales negotiated
Wall Street Journal

TV affected include Leno and Tivo
E! Online

 
television • Internet • DVD • online videos • Jon Stewart • writer • Producer • Late Night

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