Late Night Talk Shows Coming Back to AirWaves

rlm · 12-20-2007, 04:18 AM

Conan O'Brien to return on January 2, 2008....without writers.

Conan O'Brien Statement:

"For the past seven weeks of the writers' strike, I have been and continue to be an ardent supporter of the WGA and their cause. My career in television started as a WGA member and my subsequent career as a performer has only been possible because of the creativity and integrity of my writing staff. Since the strike began, I have stayed off the air in support of the striking writers while, at the same time, doing everything I could to take care of the 80 non-writing staff members on Late Night.

Unfortunately, now with the New Year upon us, I am left with a difficult decision. Either go back to work and keep my staff employed or stay dark and allow 80 people, many of whom have worked for me for fourteen years, to lose their jobs. If my show were entirely scripted I would have no choice. But the truth is that shows like mine are hybrids, with both written and non-written content. An unwritten version of Late Night, though not desirable, is possible – and no one has to be fired.

So, it is only after a great deal of thought that I have decided to go back on the air on January 2nd. I will make clear, on the program, my support for the writers and I'll do the best version of Late Night I can under the circumstances. Of course, my show will not be as good. In fact, in moments it may very well be terrible. My sincerest hope is that all of my writers are back soon, working under a contract that provides them everything they deserve."

Jay Leno will also go back on the air on the same day as Conan.

As for David Letterman:

David Letterman’s Worldwide Pants is seeking a separate deal with the striking Writers Guild of America that would put “The Late Show” and “The Late Late Show” back into production with its writing staff intact.

45sonmymind · 12-20-2007, 06:51 PM

that is really admirable of Conan. he's risking having less than well received shows just to keep his other employees working. i definitely support this.

12-20-2007, 04:18 AM	#1 (permalink)
rlm Member of Sylar's Army Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: tx Posts: 1,992 My Profile	Late Night Talk Shows Coming Back to AirWaves Conan O'Brien to return on January 2, 2008....without writers. Conan O'Brien Statement: "For the past seven weeks of the writers' strike, I have been and continue to be an ardent supporter of the WGA and their cause. My career in television started as a WGA member and my subsequent career as a performer has only been possible because of the creativity and integrity of my writing staff. Since the strike began, I have stayed off the air in support of the striking writers while, at the same time, doing everything I could to take care of the 80 non-writing staff members on Late Night. Unfortunately, now with the New Year upon us, I am left with a difficult decision. Either go back to work and keep my staff employed or stay dark and allow 80 people, many of whom have worked for me for fourteen years, to lose their jobs. If my show were entirely scripted I would have no choice. But the truth is that shows like mine are hybrids, with both written and non-written content. An unwritten version of Late Night, though not desirable, is possible – and no one has to be fired. So, it is only after a great deal of thought that I have decided to go back on the air on January 2nd. I will make clear, on the program, my support for the writers and I'll do the best version of Late Night I can under the circumstances. Of course, my show will not be as good. In fact, in moments it may very well be terrible. My sincerest hope is that all of my writers are back soon, working under a contract that provides them everything they deserve." Jay Leno will also go back on the air on the same day as Conan. As for David Letterman: David Letterman’s Worldwide Pants is seeking a separate deal with the striking Writers Guild of America that would put “The Late Show” and “The Late Late Show” back into production with its writing staff intact. Last edited by RebelMan : 12-20-2007 at 08:28 PM.

12-20-2007, 06:51 PM	#2 (permalink)
45sonmymind Newbie Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 17 My Profile	that is really admirable of Conan. he's risking having less than well received shows just to keep his other employees working. i definitely support this.

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