With Stewart and Colbert, It's Do As I Say Not As I Do

I've had a bunch of mail on my recent columns pertaining to the return of Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert to the airwaves.

They tend to fall into one of three categories.

From the non-political "public" (i.e. non-WGA writers), it was "finally, entertainment is back."

From the political public, "their voices are needed to offset the right wing noise machine."

From the WGA writer, "We love those lovable scabs, but a scab is a scab. And say that lovably."
Stewart and Colbert, It's Do As I Say Not As I Do

As a WGA, non-political and non-political writer, I find all three reactions to not only have validity...they're all true.

That's the problem. We need S&C's intelligent, cut through the bull, make a point through satire, or make no point at all but it's still funny, kind of Daily Show, Colbert Report on the air.

But there's no question they've "crossed the line."

Both Stewart and Colbert have made it clear that they support the writer and the WGA, but their support of the writer is being broadcasted over the WGA-struck air while they're contributing to WGA signators content the WGA says they should not because that DOESN'T SUPPORT THE WRITER. Along with Leno, Kimmel and Daly, S&C cry personal contracts and/or the jobs/livelihood of non-writers.

BUT THAT'S WHAT A STRIKE IS ABOUT, BUNKY!

If a strike was only about those on strike, strikes would never work. It's not just about inflicting discomfort on "management" and their advertisers, it's about affecting everyone. In this case, the viewers, the shows' office staffs, "behind the camera" crews, the caterers, the small and large businesses in the area who cater to those workers, et al, et al, et al.

That's how the pressure mounts on the two sides to sit down with each other and work things out.

What Stewart, Colbert and friends are doing is alleviating the necessity for AMPTP (Producers, etc) to get back at the table. Why should they? Their shows and stars are coming back and so are their viewers. Without the writers, pension, health benefits and daily fresh fruit they're NOT paying for now, they're actually able to do these shows even cheaper.

Obviously, it's a Left-winded argument, but so really is the support of labor. And there's no question that trying to keep the line going, is painful, but it shouldn't be all that complex to the perceptive minds of Stewart and Colbert..

I mean if the Golden Globes figured it out how confusing could it be?

WGA Member and award-winning TV writer, Steve Young, is author of "Great Failures of the Extremely Successful" (www.greatfailure.com) and doesn't expect to be hired on the Daily Show or Colbert staff...even after the strike.

Comments

[Perspicackle]

The entire business is made up of greedy assholes. The whole notion of copyright is that they are better than others and must be paid over and over - you don't see a carpenter get paid over and over for a house he built 20 years ago (even if someone rents it out)

Hollywood deserves to go out of business.

[WHATEVER7]

Hey Steve, that's why I don't drink Coor's beer (non-union)...and I do love beer. Won't watch til the strikes over.

[Sumocat]

Your argument illuminates the central flaw in the writer's strike, which is their "screw everyone else" tactic. The WGA decided to go on strike on their own without the support of the other unions. Sure, they have moral support, but the bottom line is still money. The other unions weren't prepared to let their members go without pay for an extended period of time. Some production companies, including Stewart's, paid their staff through the strike, but eventually the money runs out. For a small production company like Stewart's, it's either get back to work or lose your crew. The WGA set the stage for this situation, devolving it an us vs. everyone stand-off, rather than a labor vs. management battle. The writers deserve a better deal, but I think the guild's flawed tactic is going to screw them in the end.

[MadMoll]

I understand your position, but, no one has looked at their very real problem in all of this: Their AFTRA contract. They either cross the line or breach their contract.

As a members of AFTRA, we have a clause in our contract that says "No Strike" Colbert and Stewart have the same in their AFTRA Contracts - Comedy Central is a AFTRA Signatory. We all can refuse NEW work, but if we have a contract... therein lies the dilemma: Do they follow the WGA and walk, or do they follow their AFTRA contract and continue to work? either way, they are roiling between Scylla and Charybdis.

From what I have heard, the WGA rejected a request from Busboy and Comedy Central for an Interim. I support the WGA in its bid for equity, and I find their stance puzzling. How better to put the "divide" in "Divide and Conquer" than to get an Interim with a part of the largest media holder around: VIACOM?

However, is the loss of nearly 400 non-writing jobs < what the WGA is asking? I do not think so.

[guru75]

An excellent post, Steve. Although both Stewart and Colbert claim to sympathize with the WGA strike, their saying so means nothing. Returning to work and writing material that is played on TV says it all. It is certainly a breach of faith, and an indication of hypocracy. If the WGA can't get the progressive entertainers to stand beside the writers it diminishes the power that they bring to the bargaining table. It would be ironic if these "friends" of the WGA and fellow writers are the cause of others crossing the picket line, and losing the day for the WGA.