If the writers are still on strike how is there a new Americanidol?

[RB TexLa]

There was an advertisement for it on the radio saying it was brand new. Isn't it live? Or do they tape them live and then run them later, so it could have been done before the writers strike?

[aquart]

1. Reality writers aren't unionized.

And reality unionization has been dropped from bargaining consideration.

[RB TexLa]

4. ok, thanks

[Bluebear]

2. Writers don't have to 'write' for the kids to sing,

That's how the reality shows are flourishing, they don't involve a lot of original writing.

[RB TexLa]

3. The people on the show have to know what to say? If there aren't writers

that can't happen.

[Bluebear]

5. The judges comments are not scripted

[RB TexLa]

6. who?

[Djinn]

15. some would argue that

neither has most of the bile served up on our TV screens for some time

[Echo In Light]

7. You actually believe that turd of a show requires "writing?" Surely you jest

[RB TexLa]

13. I've never seen it but they have to have what they are going to say written

[OneGrassRoot]

8. What about commercials?

My daughter asked me this question today, anticipating the usual hype of Super Bowl ads.

I hadn't thought about it, but are commercials affected by the writers' strike?

[walldude]

9. I don't think ad agency writers are part of the WGA

I could be wrong but I don't think so.

[AlGore-08.com]

10. Ad agency writers are not part of the WGA

You'd hear a lot more about the strike if it was causing havoc in commercial programming.

[OneGrassRoot]

11. LOL. Good point. Thanks to you both! n/t

[muntrv]

12. American Idol doesn't really need writers.

[Booster]

14. I predict the writer's strike will be over before the Academy Awards

are to air. Way too much money in that show for it not to go on.