Did Hollywood Writers Get Their Happy Ending?

09/27/23 • 25 min

30 Listeners

After 148 days on strike, writers of movies and television are returning to work on Wednesday

with an agreement in hand that amounts to a major win for organized labor in Hollywood.

John Koblin, a media reporter for The Times, explains why the studios acquiesced to writers’ demands and what the deal means for the future of American entertainment.

Guest: John Koblin, a media reporter for The New York Times.

Background reading:

After Hollywood’s bitter monthslong labor dispute, the Writers Guild of America got most of what it wanted.
Now the focus turns to actors: The studios and the actors’ union haven’t spoken for more than two months, and a deal is needed before the entertainment industry can fully return.

For more information on today’s episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.

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After 148 days on strike, writers of movies and television are returning to work on Wednesday

with an agreement in hand that amounts to a major win for organized labor in Hollywood.

John Koblin, a media reporter for The Times, explains why the studios acquiesced to writers’ demands and what the deal means for the future of American entertainment.

Guest: John Koblin, a media reporter for The New York Times.

Background reading:

After Hollywood’s bitter monthslong labor dispute, the Writers Guild of America got most of what it wanted.
Now the focus turns to actors: The studios and the actors’ union haven’t spoken for more than two months, and a deal is needed before the entertainment industry can fully return.

For more information on today’s episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.

Previous Episode

Gold Bars, Wads of Cash and a Senator’s Indictment

In one of the most serious political corruption cases in recent history, federal prosecutors have accused a senior U.S. senator of trading the power of his position for cash, gifts and gold.

Tracey Tully, who covers New Jersey for The Times, tells the story behind the charges against the senator, Robert Menendez, and his wife, Nadine, and describes the role played by Wael Hana, an Egyptian American businessman at the center of the allegations.

Guest: Tracey Tully covers New Jersey for The New York Times.

Background reading:

Senator Robert Menendez of New Jersey, charged with taking bribes in exchange for exerting political influence, predicted that he would be exonerated.
Inside the Menendez investigation: Federal prosecutors have accused the senator and his wife, Nadine, of accepting bribes in exchange for official actions by Mr. Menendez.

For more information on today’s episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.

Next Episode

The Presidential Politics of the Autoworkers’ Strike

Although one major strike, against Hollywood studios, was finally resolved this past week, another, against U.S. vehicle makers, is expanding. The plight of the autoworkers has now become a major point of contention in the presidential race.

Jonathan Weisman, a political correspondent for The Times, explains why the strike could be an essential test along the road to the White House.

Guest: Jonathan Weisman, a political correspondent for The New York Times.

Background reading:

A day after President Biden appeared on a picket line with United Automobile Workers, former President Donald J. Trump spoke at an auto parts factory.
The U.A.W. strike could either accelerate a wave of worker actions or stifle labor’s recent momentum.

For more information on today’s episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.