Writers go into 4th day of talks

The Writers Guild of America enters their fourth day of negotiations today over compensation for work aired on the Web, video iPods, cellphones and other new media.

There's a media blackout on the talks. But the fact that there is a talk is a reason for optimism TroyGould attorney Jonathan Handel, a former associate counsel to the Writers Guild, told Forbes yesterday. But Handel cautioned that if the writers don't make a deal soon, they may be pressured to accept the less favorable terms expected in an upcoming Directors Guild of America deal. The writers have been striking since November 5.

UCLA Anderson School of Management released a forecast report on the economic impact of the current WGA strike today estimating that the strike could cost the local economy $380 million - the report's author called earlier estimates of a $1 billion cost "grossly inflated."