Letterman Seeks Writers' Deal

David Letterman will begin his own talks with striking writers to get his show back on the air in early January, the New York Times reports. Letterman's production company, World Wide Pants, owns the show and will negotiate directly with the writers. Rivals Leno and Conan don't have that option because NBC owns their shows. They, too, plan to return in January, but if the strike is still on, they will do so without their usual writers.

Letterman would have an advantage not only with material but with guests. Many in Hollywood would be reluctant to cross picket lines to appear on Leno, the Times notes, but they wouldn't have to do so to appear on Letterman—and on the show that follows hosted by Craig Ferguson. That's also owned by World Wide Pants. (More David Letterman stories.)