Writers’ strike affecting network TV popularity

Market research of 1,013 American viewers has 27% of the market saying they have reduced network TV viewing. The report suggests increased viewing of DVDs and video games and increased reading. Reading! Where did THAT come from?

There is a 94% awareness of the writer’s strike, and sympathies are strongly with the writers. Half of loyal Academy Award viewers say they would probably not watch the telecast if an agreement with the actors were not reached and the same percentage would not like actors to cross picket lines.

Meanwhile, one group of out-of-work writers are trying to raise $30M for a start-up production company called Virtual Artists. Another group has started Hollywood Disrupted and there’s an Internet Video production house who call themselves 60 Frames.