Posted by student LINDSEY CLARK – As all eyes are focused on Iowa, those in the political world may want to turn their attention to a different region of the US–Hollywood. The Writers Guild of America (WGA) is on strike after failed talks to resolve issues on royalties from the sale of dvds and television shows on the internet. Thousands of writers in the industry are holding picket signs, instead of pens to write scripts for numerous television programs.
Among those affected are the late night talk shows, including The Daily Show with Jon Stewart, The Colbert Report, The Tonight Show, and Saturday Night Live. These shows often use daily news to help script monologues and skits. In the past, political figures have used these staples of pop culture to reach a younger demographic of voters. Some, including current California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, have used these late night forums to announce their campaigns. However, with these programs being forced into reruns, politicians may have to get creative in engaging 18-39 year-olds.
The last writers’ strike occurred in 1988 and lasted 22 weeks. If the strike lasts this long, it wouldn’t be until mid-April that new shows could be written, after 44 states and the District of Columbia hold primaries.
Of course there is no telling how long the current strike will last. But a prolonged strike could be problematic for a couple of other reasons. First, in addition to political candidates being featured, show such as The Daily Show and Colbert Report included guests, such as Al Gore, who discuss relevant issues that could be a feature in next fall’s presidential election. Secondly, many late night shows provide comic relief from the mud slinging nature of political campaigns. Name calling and dirt digging have already begun and we are still a year away from the election. Without the satire from Real Time with Bill Maher or Jon Stewart, it could make for a very long election year.
Reality programs are slated to fill the void of scripted television shows if the strike lasts into February. We could always have a Dancing with the Candidates or Survivor: White House starring the potential presidential nominees. While late night TV may not have a huge influence in swaying votes, it does have an impact and stake in the political realm. They also provide us with a laugh, at the very least, and candidates may want to add Hollywood and the WGA to their list of campaign stops.
Lindsey Clark of Columbus, Ohio, is a Clinton School student working toward her Master of Public Service Degree.