Strike Watch: Poll says much of the public thinks the writers are right

[Omaha Steve]

http://featuresblogs.chicagotribune.com/entertainment_tv/2007/11/strike-watch-pu.html

Originally posted: November 14, 2007

According to a new poll, 63 percent of the public supports the writers in the ongoing Writers Guild of America strike.

Four percent favor the producers’ side and 33 percent were unsure, according to the Pepperdine University study, which the Los Angeles Times wrote about Wednesday.

"It is not uncommon for the public to be sympathetic toward the side striking in a labor dispute," David Smith, a labor economist at Pepperdine, told the paper. "However, it is somewhat surprising to see overwhelming support from Americans for the creative side of the industry."

One reason for the public support of the strike is the way that writers have creatively used blogs, videos and news coverage of the LA and New York picket lines to get their side of the story out. (I wrote more about that here.)

In her comments to the LA Times, Barbara Brogliatti, spokeswoman for the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, said that the writers’ side has been effective, though she also said that the WGA information is incomplete.

"You'd expect nothing less when the only real information the public is getting is from sound bites and the issues are as complex as these," she told the LA Times.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8a37uqd5vTw&eurl=http://featuresblogs.chicagotribune.com/entertainment_tv/2007/11/strike-watch-pu.html

FULL story at link.

[aquart]

1. Dear Producers: The pen is mightier than your hot tubs.

Now pay the writers like you've finally realized how much damage they can do you.

[RavensChick]

2. And if the writers don't get what they want

the season will be over as quick as scat! That's why I'm so glad I have other things to keep me entertained.