Too Much TV: Your TV Talking Points For Wednesday, August 23rd, 2023
I'm no PR expert, but things don't seem to be going well for the studios
Here's everything you need to know about the world of television for Wednesday, August 23rd, 2023.
AMAZINGLY, I AM NOT PERFECT
An alert reader named Jeff noted that when I wrote about the history of daytime soaps streaming on Tuesday, I didn't mention that Days Of Our Lives moved from NBC to Peacock and it is airing new episodes (although not daily).
I don't know that anyone has a sense of how that show is doing, but it is an interesting test case. And I appreciate Jeff reminding me about it.
I AM NO PR EXPERT, BUT THIS DOESN'T SEEM TO BE GOING WELL FOR THE STUDIOS
On Tuesday night, the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers released what it said were the proposals given to the WGA when negotiations restarted on August 11th. And depending on who you speak to and what outlet you read, the release was designed to a) sow conflict in the WGA as an increasing number of members face severe financial hardship and/or b) show the number of proposals the studio was willing to "compromise" on in order to get a deal done.
It's important to note in advance, that the battle in the press has only a tangential impact on the direction of the actual negotiations. But even with that caveat, it seems pretty clear that for an industry filled with PR professionals, AMPTP is doing a terrible job crafting a message that isn't some variation of "Sure, we love writers. But it's a love that is too pure to be celebrated with mere money."
Earlier today. I wrote a piece entitled "WGA To AMPTP: Thanks For Getting That Draft In. Well Told." and you should go read that if you haven't already done so. It provides a pretty solid overview of the events of the past 24 hours.
I held the newsletter a bit later tonight, because I was told by several people that a new statement from the WGA was coming soon, this one apparently breaking down some of the union's specific problems with the latest AMPTP proposal.
I have given up waiting at this point, but in the meantime, this piece in the L.A. Times notes that the AMPTP decision to release its proposals might be breaking U.S. labor relations laws:
One legal expert said the decision by the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers to release details of its offer could run afoul of laws governing collective bargaining. A National Labor Relations Board rule forbids management from circumventing union negotiators because both sides have a duty to negotiate in good faith.
“They are trying to appeal to the union membership directly, which is a violation of the duty to bargain in good faith,” said Andrea Schneider, director of the Kukin Program for Conflict Resolution at the Cardozo School of Law in New York. “This is not going to work. It hasn’t worked in labor negotiations for 50 years.”
I obviously haven't spoken to any of the media CEOs, although I have spoken to some people familiar with their thinking. I am remain surprised at how out-of-sync the thinking of the CEOs is with the needs of the striking writers. The media CEOs (I've been told that Bob Iger especially) seem to feel that this is all a money problem and that the strike will be solved by coming up with the appropriate package of pay increases.
But if you spend any time at all speaking with WGA members, it's clear that while the money is important, there are core values at stake here and that reality continues to elude the AMPTP negotiators and the CEOs who are making the decisions. I believe until that changes, this strike isn't getting settled anytime soon.
THE END OF 'RIVERDALE'
With so much talk of the ongoing WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes - and rightfully so - it's easy to forget that there are still some big moments taking place on broadcast television.
Tonight was the series finale of The CW's Riverdale and Linda Martindale recapped the episode, which she loved.
The network is also promoting a special "extended" version of the episode, which will be available for streaming on Thursday:
DAIRY OF A CNBC LIVE SHOT
If you've ever looked at a cable news line shot during a breaking news event and wondered how it came together behind-the-scenes,
Okay, now I had some video. This is the point in covering a story when I finally start to relax. I. Have. Video.
What happened next was unexpected.
As we were coming out of the mountains, traffic stopped. We soon learned that massive boulders had come tumbling onto the highway. There was no turning around. The westbound lanes going the other way were not visible.
We waited.
After about 20 minutes, the CHP let us through. There were only four cars in front of us. I told an officer we were going to pull over to get video, and he warned us to park away from the rocks.
It's a really fascinating piece and it's also a good reminder that one of the facets of reporting that comes with experience is developing that sixth sense of which story is important and positioning yourself in a place to best take advantage of it.
ODDS AND SODS
* Variety is reporting that Max is set to announce a series of new original news programs featuring CNN personnel.
* In an idea that almost sounds like something you'd read in The Onion, Max announced today that Chip and Joanna Gaines are developing a "family friendly roller skating competition series" for the streamer.
WHAT'S NEW TODAY AND TOMORROW:
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 23RD:
BS High (HBO)
Destined With You (Netflix)
Invasion Season Two Premiere (Apple TV+)
Nancy Drew Series Finale (The CW)
Riverdale Series Finale (The CW)
Squared Love Everlasting (Netflix)
The Ultimatum: Marry Or Move On Season Two Premiere (Netflix)
Trap Jazz (Hulu)
THURSDAY, AUGUST 24TH:
Baki Hanma (Netflix)
Caught Up Series Premiere (BET+)
Christian Series Premiere (Topic)
Explorer: Lost In The Arctic (NatGeo)
Miley Cyrus: Endless Summer Vacation: Continued (Backyard Sessions) (ABC)
Mountain Men Season Premiere (History)
Ragnarok Season Three Premiere (Netflix)
The First 48: Critical Minutes Season Premiere (A&E)
The Hustle of @617MikeBiv (ALLBLK)
TMZ Investigates: Britney Spears: Divorce & Despair (Fox)
Toya And Reginae Series Premiere (WE tv)
Who Is Erin Carter? Series Premiere (Netflix)
Zatima Season 2B Premiere (BET+)
Click Here to see the list of all of the upcoming premiere dates for the next few months.
SEE YOU THURSDAY!
If you have any feedback, send it along to Rick@AllYourScreens.com and follow me on Twitter @aysrick.