Writers strike: studios and networks dig in their heels

There is speculation in the entertainment press that the studio and network heads will remain intransigent. Variety’s Dave McNary writes: “Sources warn that the lack of other substantive movement from both sides could signal that the CEOs will decide soon that they’ve gone as far as they can go and put a take-it-or-leave-it package on the table. The problem for the WGA leaders is that such a package may be unacceptable—in that it will be impossible to sell to a membership that’s had its expectations elevated after having been on strike for well over a month.”

The AMPTP recently contracted the services of Democratic Party-associated public relations consultants Mark Fabiani and Chris Lehane as well as those of Steve Schmidt, once advisor to California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. According to the Los Angeles Times, the alliance is embarking on a more aggressive PR campaign after polls conducted by Pepperdine University, Fox News and Survey USA reported widespread public support for the writers.