A writers' strike which could seriously affect production of major American television programmes could be set to go ahead as early as tomorrow morning.
The Writers' Guild of America and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers have failed to reach an agreement on new pay terms.
Digital Spy reports that writers have been in negotiations with the Alliance - which represents America's TV studios and networks - for an increase in royalty payments for use of their work on DVDs and internet downloads.
The AMPTP has resisted, citing uncertainty over digital media-based business models.
The current discussions have been ongoing since July but the current WGA-AMPTP contract expired last night at midnight Pacific time. Further talks have been scheduled for tonight but there is little sign of a breakthrough between the parties.
The first shows which are likely to be affected by such a strike will be comedy and sketch shows such as 'The Daily Show'. 'The Tonight Show'and Dave Letterman’s 'Late Show' could also be affected.
It is likely to take several months before any strike action would have an impact on scripted shows.
