Like scabs through the hourglass: Daytime drama as some soap scribes cross the picket lines

Here's something likely to get WGA strikers into a lather: Some soap scribes have decided to keep writing.

As Variety.com reports here, a high-ranking writer-producer on CBS’ “The Young and the Restless” has informed the WGA that he plans to go “financial core” — that is, give up full membership in the guild and withhold the dues spent on political activities in order to continue writing during the strike.

He's not alone. It's believed two or three other "Y&R" scribes have also decided to keep cranking out scripts, while one writer on NBC's "Days of our Lives" may also be considering crossing the picket line.

Another source with knowledge of the situation added that two other scribes on “Y&R” have also opted for financial core status, and one other is considering it. A writer on NBC’s “Days of Our Lives” may also be considering crossing the picket line.

It's worth noting that these scribes are still very much the minority, even among daytime drama writers.

--Josef Adalian

Comments

[alberto]

Good for the writers at Y&R!!! I'm happy that the integrity of the storylines will not be compromised because of money. With ratings going south, Y&R writers are smart not to alienate even more viewers. Y&R has always been a class act. They will continue to be #1 in the ratings by making decisions such as this one.

[Linda A.]

So much for solidarity. Anyway, I got to thinking about something regarding this strike. Could the writers possibly be shooting themselves in the foot? I mean, if this strike is a long one, and there are no new primetime episodes for a while, could this possibly be what it takes for America to break its TV addiction and start engaging in more worthwhile pursuits such as, oh, I don't know, having family game nights, or, dare I say it, reading books? I mean, I know that's probably wishful thinking on my part, but, if that were to happen, then whenever the strike is over, who's going to care or even notice because by then, no one will be watching anymore anyway.

Just a thought.

[Allen]

Won't happen, America is too tied to TV. We'll still have some original programming to watch, including reality TV. It will need something a lot bigger than the strike to get America away from TV. If anything, it will push them onto the internet, which is some of the residuals they're fighting for.

[Dave]

Dear Joe,

Your story is untrue, as is detailed here in Broadcasting and Cable:

http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/CA6500726.html

Assume you will issue a correction?

[Dave]

Joseph,

It's been a day and a half and still no correction to this story? The headline blared "Soap Writers Cross the Picket Line." That turns out to be 100% untrue. Shouldn't you issue a correction?

Thanks,

Dave

[Vance Jones]

The WGA should put the dvd issue back on the negotiating table. The studios/producers have no doubt viewed the removal as a sign of weakness and they will strategize accordingly.