‘General Hospital’ to Employ Temporary Writers During WGA Strike
variety.comJoe Otterson TV Reporter Daytime soap opera “General Hospital” is using temporary writers while the WGA remains on strike, Variety has confirmed with sources.
News that the soap was employing writers despite the ongoing strike was brought to light by “General Hospital” writer Shannon Peace, who shared the news on her Instagram account, revealing that the last episode of the show that she wrote prior to the strike would be airing. “Starting next week, the show will be written exclusively by scab writers, which is heartbreaking,” Peace wrote. “Daytime writers face a unique conflict during strikes.
We hate to see our characters and storylines handed over to ‘writers’ who cross the picket line. But we’re also keenly aware that stopping production could spell the demise of soap operas.” ABC, which airs “General Hospital,” declined to comment.
Soap operas write and film episodes far in advance, which has allowed shows like “General Hospital” to stay on the air. In addition, soap actors are covered by the National Code of Fair Practice for Network Television Broadcasting, or Network Code, which allows them can keep working even though SAG-AFTRA is also on strike.
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