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if online advertising takes off as it's predicted to do.

What does the strike mean for television writers, audiences and studios? Writers may see their income dwindle, at least during the next two years, if studios begin replacing re-runs with online archives of old episodes. Audiences may benefit the most-not from the strike but from the studios' online distribution game plan which fueled the strike. Episodes of classic and some recent television shows are available at many of the networks' websites, like hulu.com. Disgruntled writers may turn away from studio-financed entertainment and write directly for the web. The online drama Quarterlife (which has been successful as an Internet show but not as a broadcast show on NBC, may signal a new market for writers, as well as viewers. Will Ferrell, Harry Shearer, and other notables have already established online comedy websites. The most revolutionary effect of the strike on television may take several years to be noticed, but as more homes have television sets and devices capable of connecting directly to the Internet, studios may begin replacing affiliate stations with web sites that stream new episodes and provide archives of old episodes. You'll be able to watch your favorite show when you want, without resorting to videotape or Tivo.

Sources:
www.variety.com/a rticle/VR1117981469.html
www.am ptp.org

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