CBS News writers will vote Thursday on taking strike action in a move that would cripple news production on CBS television and radio.
The CBS News workers will join their drama and comedy colleagues on the picket line, along with Broadway stage hands who went on strike November 8. So far the growing number of striking workers has seen late night talk shows go off air (or into repeats), and the neon lights of Broadway dim as 27 Broadway productions have been canceled costing as much as $17 million a day.
Whilst there’s nothing quite like seeing a Broadway musical in person, audiences left with nothing but closed signs and picket lines will still want to spend their recreational time somewhere, and online content presents a great void filling alternative.
The CBS writers strike alone will not push many to online alternatives who aren’t already getting their news fix from the internet; there is always Fox, NBC, ABC or Cable as an alternative. However with strike action in the air there is always the chance that more writers from other networks may join the picket lines, and that would reduce television choice. The irony of course is that the original writers strike is all about sharing revenue from online content, where as the net result of their actions may actually see more people turning online for content and less people watching television. After the 1988 writers strike, network television lost 10% of its audience once the strike ended, at a time where there were far fewer alternatives to what viewers have today.
(image credit: idealterna on Flickr under CC)
“Whilst there’s nothing quite like seeing a Broadway musical in person, audiences left with nothing but closed signs and picket lines will still want to spend their recreational time somewhere, and online content presents a great void filling alternative.”
Duncan – have you ever been to NYC? Do you think someone who takes their ticket to a musical/show and the show is closed will run back to their hotel and jump online to watch mahalo daily?
Doubt 1 from 100,000 would do this. They would just go enjoy the rest of TS.
Same for any other city with Broadway like capabilities.
Allen
yes I have been to NY, and yes, given no alternative online becomes a recreational alternative. If you cant see a show, and you cant watch your favorite show on TV (god I missed the Colbert Report!) online becomes an alt. Sure, it’s not a fulfilling sub compared to say Spamalot on stage, but it still is one.
An online production *might* be an alternative to a TV show, but it’s not any alternative to watching a show on stage. Pissed off people will just spend their time in the M&M store or Virgin or go to a club, etc.
An alternative to one form of media is not only another form of media, it could be a complete replacement with something else, which I am quite sure is happening.
If it was light out, I’d walk over to TS now and do some videotaping
This is turning into a nightmare with no end in sight.
We recently published a story entitled “A dangerous, perhaps deadly, email to SAG, AFTRA and Writers Guild of America members” which has caused quite the debate. (Click my name to read)
I’m grateful to be on the sidelines for this one.
Duncan, you obviously have no clue how passionate we are about Broadway. There are no alternatives
ok, if this isnt the most ridiculous statement i have ever heard i dont know what is “online content presents a great void filling alternative.”
Alright, alright, I admit the timing of all this is good for us. Actually, a little too good, given that we make video shows that star the audience (no writers needed), and are going live later this month.
That said, this is going to take a toll on the local economy here in Southern California, and it hurts seeing so many families suddenly finding themselves without a paycheck.
Best of luck to the writers and everyone else affected. Let’s hope this mess is over with soon!
The news might actually improve if they got rid of the people churning out the crap they try to pass off today. Just sit at a desk and state facts about what’s happened in the past 24 hours. Very little writing required.
We at 20DC got a bit lucky with the strike. We started a new online sitcom called “IN PRODUCTION” two weeks ago! Our second episode will be up Thursday at 12AM EST. Swing by and check out our pilot episode…
http://www.20dc....php?vid=ips1e1
Duncan…
I find some of your comments to be completely luda’ (look it up if you’re not into hip hop).
you guys (bloggers) claim to be the savior of the new media, with a new approach that allows news to be widely distributed.. but based on these kinds of articles, along with your etrade fiasco, i’m laughing at your lack of vetting when it comes to articles…
few if any would go to see a show, see that it’s closed and then say, damn, i’m going to go check out some online content!!
you’re drinking your kool-aid.
i’m sure that the rest of the people in the “blogosphere” or online content will cheer your remarks.. but they lack substance….
if you guys want to be taken serious, there really has to be a better vetting process for articles…
peace
This is the lamest thing I have ever heard. You are basically saying there are only 3 things to do in New York – go to a show, watch TV or go home and hang out online. “Get a life” doesn’t even begin to describe what you need to do.