For the first time in the organization’s 30-year history, the upcoming Winter Television Critics Association tour has been cancelled, due to the Writers Guild of America strike. The tour, which had been scheduled to begin 1/8, is the annual shindig where networks and cable channels promote upcoming program schedules.
NBC pulled out of the event, in mid November, citing "challenging times due to the strike." At that time other broadcast networks have not decided yet, but reportedly, only cable channels had committed for sure.
Overall, broadcasters had been unwilling to commit to the LA meeting, citing expected budget cutbacks and the possible difficulty of holding sessions about scripted shows, the association said. Many shows have been sidelined by the walkout—apparently too many to make unscripted fare enough of a draw.
The group includes more than 220 journalists writing about TV for print and online outlets. Members traditionally gather in January and July to preview new series and interview show stars and creators and TV execs.
