Some publicists said neither side had mounted a particularly persuasive argument on the issues. How the writers want to change their 600-page contract is too complex to explain in sound bites, they said. Until last week, the producers hadn't said much beyond needing more time to figure out new media.
One publicist who insisted on anonymity was amazed by these sort of comments from the producers' side regarding new media. "Guys, it's been around for 10 years," he said sarcastically. "It's not a good answer."
For The Record
Los Angeles Times Monday, November 19, 2007 Home Edition Main News Part A Page 2 National Desk 1 inches; 33 words Type of Material: Correction
WGA representative: An article in Sunday's Calendar section about public relations for both sides in the writers strike called Sherry Goldman a Writers Guild of America spokeswoman. She is a WGA East spokeswoman.
For The Record
Los Angeles Times Sunday, November 25, 2007 Home Edition Sunday Calendar Part E Page 2 Calendar Desk 1 inches; 31 words Type of Material: Correction
WGA representative: An article last Sunday about public relations for both sides in the writers strike called Sherry Goldman a Writers Guild of America spokeswoman. She is a WGA East spokeswoman.
At the same time, the WGA West's in-house staff, hired two years ago in a regime change, has apparently suffered a few missteps in the early days of the strike: Jesse Jackson's appearance at a rally struck an odd civil-rights note, some said; statements released long past deadline have irritated seasoned journalists.
Nor is the other side a flawless PR juggernaut. The producers alliance staff was sharply criticized when an overblown statement compared WGA strike rules to "blacklisting."
Last week's ads in trade magazines and the Los Angeles Times called "Setting the Record Straight" represented AMPTP's most comprehensive public statement on the Internet issues to date. It pointed out in large type that writers were paid more than $260 million in residuals in 2006, including residuals on permanent digital downloads and pay-per-view digital downloads.
David Young, chief negotiator of the Writers Guild of America, immediately responded with a statement: "That was our contractual share of a record-setting $20 billion the studios earned from reruns of the work we created. . . ."
Still, considering competing issues such as the war in Iraq, it may not be that easy to get the general public outside the Hollywood bubble to care, Bragman said. "The public only cares, 'Why can't we see Jon Stewart?' " he said. " 'Dog the Bounty Hunter' is getting more play on the entertainment shows. The public will start to pay attention after Christmas when 'Lost' isn't on."
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lynn.smith@latimes.com
