Zucker preps for strike

The NBC/Universal CEO said it's looking "more and more likely." Speaking at a meeting sponsored by Syracuse University’s Newhouse School, Zucker said a writers strike "would be very, very unfortunate" and that it would take place "at everyone's own peril" (TV Week). But Zucker also said that the impact on TV would be limited, at least in the beginning, as the networks ramp up the use of reality programs and newsmagazines. He also questioned whether people will come back to scripted television in healthy numbers after a strike, which sounds like a not-so-subtle warning to guild members. Zucker has been identified as one of management's hawks in the negotiations. "Zucker, with GE threatening to sell the entertainment unit, doesn't want to get mired into more onerous financial formulas that are going to make his business even worse," Nikki Finke speculated last week. Another factor to consider: NBC is mired in the ratings, so missing out on the current season may be less of a concern than it is over at CBS.