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Late night TV might be the first to go if there's a strike

By Regan Morris

BBC, Los Angeles

If Hollywood writers go on strike next week, some of your favourite shows may not survive.

With a 1 May deadline for a deal with the union approaching, a strike could happen as early as next week, with writers and their supporters picketing outside the studios' gates.

The biggest issue is how writers are paid in the new streaming economy, with many reporting lower wages as digital platforms have upended traditional television and film productions, says the Writers Guild of America, the union representing television and film writers.

"These are the storytellers that entertain the whole world. They need the stability of the compensation we are seeking to maintain a career," Charles Slocum, an Assistant Executive Director with the Writers Guild, told the BBC.

If a strike does happen, late night TV in the US will be the first visible sign. Without comedy writers to poke fun at the day's news - shows like Saturday Night Live and Last Week Tonight With John Oliver will go off air.