Poll Finds People Will Spend More Time Online If Writers Strike Continues

Posted on November 15, 2007

A new poll from Pepperdine University has found that the vast majority of Americans support the writers in the WGA vs. AMPTP writers strike. 63% supported the writers. A measly 4% supported the AMPTP which represents the big six studios - all of which are giant media companies.

Almost 2 out of 3 Americans, or 63%, said they were more inclined to side with writers in their dispute with major studios, according to a survey by Pepperdine University's Graziadio School of Business Management that is scheduled to be released today. Writers went on strike last week amid disputes over pay when their work is distributed on the Internet and via cellphones and other new-media devices.
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Smith said the public support could wane if the strike disrupted consumers' TV viewing habits. Though several shows have stopped shooting, viewers won't notice much change until early next year, when reruns, sports and reality shows replace scripted programs. When asked about the prospect of reruns replacing new shows, 42% of the respondents said they would read more, and 35% said they would spend more time on the Internet.

TV shows are already being postponed and many shows are rapidly running out of scripts. What will people do when there is nothing but reruns and reality tv programs to watch? If the poll is accurate then many people will pick up a book or spend more time surfing the Web. The Pepperdine University poll cite above found that 42% of people will read more and 35% will spend more time surfing the Internet if the writers strike continues long enough for most shows to be in reruns only.

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