US writers target American Idol

BBC News reports that the Writers Guild of America West is targeting the new series of hit talent show American Idol to highlight the poor working conditions for writers who fall outside current agreements.

The WGA has sought to represent reality show workers since 2005, arguing the work they do is a form of writing.

Many reality TV shows are not covered by WGA contracts, unlike scripted dramas and comedies.

But the union alleges that employees, such as production assistants and editors, write scenarios and outlines.

"All these shows, they're well-structured," said David Weiss, vice-president of WGA West.

"You can't sit through an hour of television that is the result of random footage being strung together."