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Networks Bulk up on Nonscripted Fare as Strike Begins

The writers strike that has been threatening in recent weeks is now a reality, and it may have an impact on the current television season.

Broadcasters are planning to fill vacant slots with news, sports and specials programming, along with a hefty dose of nonscripted series, writes Mediaweek.

The writers’ labor contract expired Oct. 31, and writers and producers failed to come to an agreement on several key issues, including increased residuals on DVD sales and how compensation for streamed content online will be handled.

This is the first industrywide strike since 1988; that strike lasted five months and cost the entertainment industry an estimated $500 million, according to The New York Times.

Broadcasters have been stocking up on nonscripted series, and now have many that they can rush into production.

The question will be whether the nonscripted far will bring enough viewers to meet broadcast networks’ ratings guarantees. If they can’t, or if advertisers aren’t satisfied with the quality of the new programs, broadcasters will be facing a makegoods situation.

As for the nonscripted shows currently in the docket:

• ABC is developing two game shows: in Duel, contestants bluff their way through trivia questions, while Wanna Bet? has contestants betting on whether they can perform certain stunts.
• CBS an updated version of Password on the docket, along with Do You Trust Me?, in which strangers team up as they strive to win cash, and a contest called Jingles, produced by Mark Burnett.
• The CW has a heavy dose of reality, with Farmer Wants a Wife and Crowned: The Mother of All Pageants. It also is airing a new season of America’s Next Top Model and Pussycat Dolls Present.
• Fox has American Idol, of course, along with quiz show Nothing but the Truth, Lady or a Tramp (a Donald Trump charm school contest) and Smile! You’re Under Arrest.
• NBC will air Amnesia, bluffing game The Interrogator, and an updated version of American Gladiators.