SAG-AFTRA and WGA Strikes: The Podcast Effect

One concern from marketers is how podcasts will be affected by these work stoppages The good news is that podcasts can continue to record episodes A Forbes report states quotPodcasts that operate under SAGAFTRA contracts are also free to continueamp8221 It39s good news for podcast listeners as theyamp8217ll still be able to regularly hear their favorite hosts Forbes also reports that not only are actors unable to work on any major studio or scripted television projects but they cannot quotpromote any of their film or television projects that fall under those contractsquot One of the most popular podcast formats is the longform interview in which hosts talk to celebrities about their upcoming projects and expand into broader topics While itamp8217s unclear how much this will affect podcasts this will certainly change content on some level in the short term as hosts of these interviewfocused podcasts will need to pivot on the content that is coveredIn addition to the SAGAFTRA strike affecting podcasts the WGA work stoppage also has ramifications on the industry While the SAGAFTRA work strike mainly affects interview podcasts the WGA strike potentially impacts fictional podcasts The Hollywood Reporter cites a WGA representative who stated that quotrestrictions apply to fiction podcasts covered by the WGA while writers on other fiction podcasts should consult the union on a casebycase basisquotIn short it39s a gray area Some fiction podcasts are restricted and therefore cannot be written Other podcasts fall within the acceptable boundaries and should continue largely unencumbered by strike regulations This creates uncertainty for the industry both the writers who work on them and the sales staff that sells ad space to help support their continued existenceFrom an advertiser perspective most industries remain relatively unaffected by the strikes While some podcasts must alter content advertisers still have a wide range of podcasts on which to advertise The advertising category mainly challenged by the work stoppages is entertainment A few of our entertainment clients have expressed concern for the vertical with regard to the promotion of their upcoming slate of programming Given the complexities of the union contracts and the relative newness of podcasting as a medium with ties to these established industries there is growing uncertainty over whether specific ad reads are permissible The majority of podcast networks donamp8217t foresee having to turn down any entertainment business However weamp8217ve seen select entertainmentfocused podcasts where the hosts are choosing to stand in solidarity with SAGAFTRA and not accept advertising from the film and television category Those podcasts which preferred to remain nameless expressed that they would be open to opportunities in this category once the strike is resolvedThe length of the ongoing SAGAFTRAamp160and WGA strikes remains unclear Once settled the podcast industry will have restrictions removed Until then all parties will be impacted Itamp8217s recommended to keep close attention to your preferred podcasts as that will drive future decisions ensuring audience and content availabilities for brandsPosted at MediaVillage through the Thought Leadership selfpublishing platformClick the social buttons to share this content with your friends and colleaguesThe opinions and points of view expressed in this content are exclusively the views of the author andor subjects and do not necessarily represent the views of MediaVillageorgMyersBizNet Inc management or associated writers

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SAG-AFTRA and WGA Strikes: The Podcast Effect

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Jason Endres

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SAG-AFTRA and WGA Strikes: The Podcast Effect

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