Writers Strike Damps Mood at TV Upfronts, Forcing Networks to Improvise
- Media companies presented their upcoming content to advertisers amid an ongoing strike by the Writers Guild of America.
- The strike meant many actors and writers did not appear at the upfront presentations, forcing networks to rely on executives, sports stars, and news personalities to promote their lineups.
- The strike raises questions about how much new scripted content the networks will have ready for the fall season and could drive down advertising rates.
- Protesters picketed outside several presentations, accusing some companies of unfair labor practices and calling on advertisers to take their business elsewhere.
- Some networks canceled or scaled back their in-person upfront events due to concerns about protests and the lack of talent available to appear on stage.
IndieWire 
Variety 
Reuters 
Los Angeles Times 
The Hollywood Reporter 
Washington Post 
CNBC 
