SAG Strikes Out

Mike Farrell / Truthdig Dec 22, 2008 The Hollywood-centric “Membership First” faction that has controlled the Screen Actors Guild’s national board for most of the last five years chooses tactics -- misinformation, tough talk and over-promising -- that undermine the union’s credibility. Dig deeper ( 5 Min. Read )

Hollywood Writers Back in Action

Staff / Truthdig Feb 13, 2008 After weeks of striking, the Writers Guild of America has struck a deal with Hollywood honchos, ending the protracted impasse between scribes and studios and allowing the stalled wheels of the entertainment industry to creak back into motion on Wednesday. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

Eisner: Strike Is Over

Staff / Truthdig Feb 8, 2008 He's not the head honcho at the Mouse House (aka Walt Disney Co.) anymore, but Michael Eisner claims firsthand and reliable knowledge that the writers' strike is over. He says a deal was struck between the WGA and studio execs late last week and will take effect within days. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

Colbert’s Gospel (Music) for Striking Writers

Staff / Truthdig Jan 24, 2008 What will it take to end the bitter standoff between WGA screenwriters and studio big cheeses? Stephen Colbert tries an innovative -- and inspiring -- approach by breaking into "Go Down Moses" with some help from the Harlem Gospel Choir and "Blink" author Malcolm Gladwell. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

The ‘Daily Show’ Must Go On

Staff / Truthdig Jan 10, 2008 After a (seemingly endless) hiatus, Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert are back on Comedy Central, even as striking writers continue to picket outside the network's mothership Here, "Daily Show" correspondent John Oliver endures a heated confrontation with himself, actually, as he covers the strikers outside the show's studio. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

Colbert and Stewart on the Comeback Track

Staff / Truthdig Dec 22, 2007 If Comedy Central headliners Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert indeed return to television Jan. 7 -- the eve of the New Hampshire primary, as fate (or whatever capricious force controls networks' holiday scheduling practices) would have it -- they'll probably have to stage their comebacks without their trusty and witty writing teams. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

WGA Strikers to Return to the Table Nov. 26

Staff / Truthdig Nov 18, 2007 An end may be in sight for striking television and film writers and their studio bosses if negotiations, now set to resume Nov 26, are effective However, WGA West President Patric Verrone cautioned union members to stand their ground in an e-mail titled "Don't Break Out the Champagne Just Yet". Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

‘Colbert’ Writers Score Big With Strike Parody

Staff / Truthdig Nov 17, 2007 There's one big built-in advantage that many striking WGA members have over the studio honchos they're feuding with: real creative talent. This clip, made by "Colbert Report" writers, showcases their flair for parody, reminding producers why they're indispensable while mercilessly lampooning the executives. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

The Winter of Writers’ Dissed Content

Staff / Truthdig Nov 15, 2007 It can be confusing to follow the ongoing WGA strike, what with all the picketing, accusations from both sides, and rampant speculation about whether Ellen DeGeneres is a traitor or just trapped in a rock-versus-hard-place career conundrum. Here, striking staffers from "The Daily Show" helpfully explain their side of the issue. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

Hollywood Copes Without Writers

Staff / Truthdig Nov 14, 2007 Though Ellen DeGeneres has taken her show across the picket line and some reality TV has improvised along, Hollywood is increasingly worried about its wordless future. Late night talk shows went to reruns immediately and the scripted shows are nearly tapped out of fresh episodes. The writers, meanwhile, show no sign of ending their strike any time soon. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

Bill Clinton to Help Mediate WGA Strike?

Staff / Truthdig Nov 9, 2007 While Hillary's out on the campaign trail, Bill Clinton may be offering his diplomatic expertise to help bring a resolution to the Writers Guild of America strike, which has halted several productions in Hollywood and New York. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )