13 Jun Writer’s Strike 2023 Versus 2007: Five Key Differences

The writer’s strike in 2023, headed up by the Writers Guild of America, differs from the one in 2007-2008 in several key aspects:

1. Technological and Market Changes: The media landscape has transformed significantly since the 2007-2008 strike, largely due to the rise of streaming services. In 2007, the issue was primarily about DVD residuals and the then-nascent digital streaming rights. In 2023, streaming has become the dominant mode of content consumption, leading to different negotiation points, such as compensation models in the streaming era, where traditional residuals based on reruns and syndication are less relevant.
2. Economic Conditions and Compensation: The financial environment and the cost of living, especially in major cities where writers work, have changed. Writers in 2023 are facing issues related to fair pay, cost of living adjustments, and the gig economy nature of their work, which often leads to long periods of unemployment between projects.
3. Scope of Demands: The demands in 2023 are broader, encompassing not only issues of pay but also working conditions, job security, and creative rights. There’s a strong focus on having more control over their work and ensuring that writers are adequately compensated and credited in the era of “peak TV” and large content libraries on streaming platforms.
4. Union Solidarity and Industry Support: The level of solidarity among union members and support from other sectors in the entertainment industry might differ. The 2023 strike might see stronger or more unified support from other unions, reflecting broader concerns about labor in the entertainment industry.
5. Impact of Pandemic: The COVID-19 pandemic has altered many aspects of the entertainment industry, from production practices to content consumption habits. These changes might influence the context and outcomes of the 2023 strike, affecting negotiations and the industry’s response to the strike’s demands.

The 2023 writers’ strike reflects the evolving challenges and dynamics of the modern entertainment industry, particularly in the streaming age, and is shaped by the economic and social context of its time.