Title: Majority of Americans Support Writers and Actors Strikes, New Poll Finds
Subtitle: Poll reveals overwhelming backing for fair compensation and protection from AI among likely voters
Date: [Current Date]
A recent poll conducted by Data for Progress has shown that a significant majority of Americans support the ongoing strikes by the Writers Guild of America (WGA) and SAG-AFTRA, demonstrating an increasing appetite for fair compensation and protection against the rise of artificial intelligence in the entertainment industry.
According to the survey, an impressive 67% of likely voters expressed their support for the strikes led by the writers and actors unions, while only 18% opposed them. The result highlights a growing acknowledgment of the industry’s need for better terms and conditions.
The poll also examined public sentiment towards major Hollywood studios, and the findings were not favorable. A concerning 48% of respondents held an unfavorable view of these studios, while just 31% expressed support for them. This sentiment may reflect a broader disillusionment with the traditionally powerful entities in the industry.
In terms of streaming platforms, the survey discovered that a majority of respondents were subscribers to the leading platforms. Netflix secured the highest number of subscribers at 60%, followed by Hulu at 41%, and Disney+ at 35%. The upsurge in streaming subscribers signifies a changing landscape where viewers are increasingly shifting from traditional cable television to online platforms.
The poll results revealed a remarkable statistic: 86% of strike supporters would remain behind the strikers even if it meant enduring delays in their favorite movies and TV shows. This unwavering support further underscores the strong sentiment among the general public for the writers’ and actors’ cause.
The primary motivations behind the strikes, as cited by respondents, included fair compensation for streaming shows, appropriate pay and benefits, and protection from the encroaching influence of artificial intelligence. In particular, a significant majority of 85% support SAG-AFTRA’s position on securing consent and fair compensation for actors in the use of their likeness by AI. Additionally, 74% believe that studios should be forbidden from replacing writers with AI.
Richard Trumka, the president of the AFL-CIO, emphasized that these poll results confirm the extensive nationwide support for the striking unions. Moreover, he stressed the importance of addressing the threat AI poses to livelihoods and the economy as a whole.
Another poll conducted on behalf of the Los Angeles Times further bolstered the striking unions’ cause. It found that 38% of respondents were more sympathetic to the actors and writers, while only 7% sided with the major studios. This sentiment demonstrates a growing understanding and empathy for the challenges faced by those in the industry.
Support for unions in the United States has seen steady growth, rising from 48% in 2009 to an impressive 71% in 2022. This upward trend suggests a broader recognition of the crucial role unions play in advocating for workers’ rights across various sectors.
The executive directors of SAG-AFTRA and WGA East both expressed their belief that the poll results reflect the American public’s awareness of the issues behind the strikes and their demand for fair compensation in every industry.
The strikes commenced on May 2 for the Writers Guild of America and July 14 for SAG-AFTRA, with both unions seeking increased residuals for streaming shows, regulations on artificial intelligence, and higher minimum compensation rates. Additionally, the Writers Guild of America is calling for a minimum staff size, guaranteed work weeks in television, and weekly pay for screenwriters.
As the strikes continue, the strong backing shown by the American public further underscores the need to address the concerns of writers and actors and ensure fair compensation and protection amid the advancing march of technology.
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