End of Day Statement - July 18, 2007

While we believe the WGA’s rejection of a study is short-sighted and self-destructive, we did give them that option.  The study would not only give us valuable insight into the new world and its impact on traditional media, but also would give us insight on how to deal with the challenges and opportunities, while continuing to compensate writers under the current provisions and side-letters to their 2004 contract.

The Guild negotiators rejected the study as unnecessary because they have all the answers on New Media - its viability as a business, consumer demand, even advertiser acceptance.

We proposed the New Media study as a good faith effort to work together to analyze this emerging market to our mutual benefit. However, the Guild leadership rejected this option. In the interest of moving the negotiations forward with the intent of reaching agreement on an overall basis, we have withdrawn the Limited Issues Package. We will now negotiate from our Comprehensive Package of Proposals, which covers terms and conditions that are crucial to helping us preserve and grow our businesses for the benefit of all.

We are committed to negotiating a deal that is fair to everyone, one that respects the needs and concerns of the WGA as well as all the AMPTP member companies, one that maintains industry stability, one that gives us the flexibility to adapt to the revolutionary changes that confront us, one that helps us manage our risks, grow our businesses and share our rewards.