PBS Writers and WGA East Reach Tentative Agreement, Avoiding Strike

The deal includes groundbreaking protections for animation writers, AI usage, and streaming residuals, pending union member approval.

The Writers Guild of America East and PBS affiliates THIRTEEN, WGBH, and PBS SoCal reached a tentative agreement late Thursday, narrowly avoiding a strike.
Key aspects of the deal include first-of-its-kind protections for animation writers, safeguards against AI misuse, and better residuals for streaming content.
The agreement also includes paid parental leave, expanded health insurance access for writing teams, and industry-standard wage increases.
The union represents 94 writers responsible for PBS programs such as 'Frontline,' 'American Masters,' 'NOVA,' and PBS Kids shows like 'Molly of Denali' and 'Cyberchase.'
The deal will now go to union members for a vote, with a date for ratification yet to be announced.