Writers Guild Authorizes Strike Against PBS

Members of the Writers Guild of America (WGA) have authorized a strike against PBS member stations WGBH, THIRTEEN, and PBS SoCal if a new contract is not reached by 11:59 p.m. ET on November 21. The strike authorization vote saw 100% support from participating members, with an 83% turnout among the 94-member bargaining unit. Key demands include union protections for animation writers, fair compensation for writer-producers, coverage for made-for-new-media programs, and reasonable residual payments for streaming content. Writers of 20 animated series, including popular titles like 'Molly of Denali' and 'Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood,' have pledged not to cross picket lines if a strike occurs. The union has been waiting for negotiations to progress since the contract expiration in July, with over 1,250 members signing a petition urging PBS to engage in discussions. WGA East President Lisa Takeuchi Cullen emphasized the desire for a fair agreement that reflects the writers' working conditions rather than a strike.