Town Square

The 2023 Writers Strike; Plus, Concerns Over the Future of AI

Media experts share insight on this strike and its impact on entertainment; plus, we look at how AI factors into this labor dispute.

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Striking writers take part in a rally in front of Paramount Pictures studio, Wednesday, May 17, 2023, in Los Angeles.

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Town Square with Ernie Manouse airs at 3 p.m. CT. Tune in on 88.7FM, listen online or subscribe to the podcast. Join the discussion at 888-486-9677, questions@townsquaretalk.org or @townsquaretalk.

First, we talk to political science professor Dr. Ryan Kennedy who discusses the testimony of OpenAI CEO Sam Altman before Congress, the threats artificial intelligence could pose, and Congress' efforts to address these concerns.

Then, we're joined by The Hollywood Reporter West Coast TV Editor Lesley Goldberg who discusses the latest updates on the 2023 writers strike, why the strike is happening now, and the issues writers are experiencing. The Writer's Guild of America (WGA) has been on strike since May 2, against the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP).

Film, TV, and Media Studies professor Dr. Miranda Banks is also with us to share insight on why the WGA has had more strikes than any other guild, history about previous writers strikes, and the current landscape of the modern entertainment industry.

Plus, theatre journalist Robert Viagas explains the latest on 2023 Tony Awards and what effect the writers strike will have on Broadway's favorite awards show.

 

Guests:

Dr. Ryan Kennedy

  • Professor of Political Science, University of Houston
  • Specializes in the area of AI and public policy

Dr. Miranda Banks

  • Associate Professor and Chair of Film, Television and Media Studies, Loyola Marymount University
  • Author, The Writers: A History of American Screenwriters and Their Guild

Lesley Goldberg

  • West Coast TV Editor, The Hollywood Reporter
  • Co-host of the weekly industry podcast, TV's Top 5

Robert Viagas

  • Theatre Journalist
  • Author, "Right This Way: A History of The Audience"

Town Square with Ernie Manouse is a gathering space for the community to come together and discuss the day's most important and pressing issues.

We also offer a free podcast here, on iTunes, and other apps

 

This article is part of the Town Square with Ernie Manouse podcast

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