There has been a substantial amount of press about these negotiations. Each party has had the opportunity to publicly express its own position and to criticize the positions of the other party. That is likely to continue as we proceed in these negotiations and look for a way to resolve the difficult issues that confront us.
    But no matter what is said in the press, everyone here should know that the difficulties we are facing in this contract negotiation are not the fault of either party. No one is to be blamed that these issues have arisen.
    The source of our difficulties lies with the rapid technological and commercial changes that have been and are occurring within this industry. We as an industry feel compelled to respond to the competition that grows around us everyday, to manage our businesses in a prudent and responsible way, and to do everything in our power to continue the operation of our businesses and to support the livelihoods of tens of thousands of people.
    That is why, as we respond to your proposals, no one should think – as has been suggested to me -- that the industry blames writers for the current business conditions or that the industry’s unwillingness to agree to new financial commitments reflects a lack of regard and appreciation for the job that writers do. Nothing could be further from the truth. No one should entertain even for a moment the notion that we consider the talents and efforts of writers to be insignificant. We know the value of a script well written, of an engaging story, of a stimulating and thought-provoking piece of writing. And we know the kind of diligence – and sometimes good fortune – that is required to produce the work that you do.
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