Los Angeles, California – Despite the strikes that shook Hollywood in 2023, writers in the entertainment industry continue to face challenges.
Recent data released by the Writers Guild of America shows a significant decrease in television-writing jobs across various levels of the hierarchy. The most notable decline was seen among those at the peak of their profession.
For the 2023-24 season, there were 1,319 fewer TV writer jobs compared to the previous season. Of these losses, 642 jobs were at the co-executive producer level or higher, marking a 40 percent decline. Lower-level writers, including staff writers and story editors, were also affected, with 378 fewer jobs. Mid-level positions experienced a decline of 299 jobs.
In total, there were 1,819 television writing jobs during the last season, reflecting a 42 percent decrease from the 2022-23 season. This decrease is particularly alarming as it falls below the numbers seen during the COVID-impacted season of 2019-20.
The WGA attributes these job losses to various factors, including the rise of cord-cutters and corporate greed within the industry. The organization suggests that the decline in TV jobs is a result of industry transitions, such as the decline in cable TV subscriptions and programming, as well as fluctuations in streaming series due to demands for quicker profits.
The impact of the 2023 strikes, which ran from May to September, also played a significant role in the reduction of TV jobs. The prolonged negotiations between studios and writers shortened the 2023-24 TV season, leading to fewer opportunities for writers.
Looking ahead, the WGA anticipates that the new contract with studios will help alleviate some of the employment challenges faced by writers. However, the organization emphasizes that it is not just about creating more jobs but also about ensuring that the quality of jobs remains high for writers.
Despite these efforts, the challenges in the entertainment industry extend beyond television writing. Screenwriters working on WGA-covered films have also experienced a decrease in opportunities, with a 15 percent decline in the number of screenwriters working and a 6 percent drop in earnings.
Overall, the landscape for writers in Hollywood remains uncertain as they navigate through industry shifts and negotiations to secure better working conditions and opportunities.