Writers' Earnings Drop 32% Following 2023 Strike and Industry Contraction

WGA report reveals significant declines in employment and earnings, with residuals becoming a larger share of writer compensation.

TV and film writers' earnings fell by $603 million in 2023, the lowest level since the 2007-08 strike when adjusted for inflation.
Employment among writers decreased by 19.5%, with only 5,501 writers working, the lowest count since 2014.
Residuals increased by 3.5%, reaching $598.5 million, with streaming platforms contributing significantly to this rise.
The WGA strike led to new contract terms, including wage increases and protections against AI-written material.
The decline in the TV industry, marked by a 14% reduction in shows, contributed to the overall drop in writer earnings.