Writers strike felt in missing NBC stars, absence of Fox schedule for TV sales pitches

Fox declined to announce a fall television schedule on Monday, citing uncertainties created by the strike. They opened with turmoil; writers picketed in front of Radio City Music Hall where NBC previewed programming it hoped viewers would be able to see. Mark Lazarus, NBC Universal president of television and streaming, quickly acknowledged the uncertainties in speaking to the ad representatives. At an earlier news conference, Fox executives talked about upcoming shows, but not when they would appear. The strike will likely mean a greater reliance on unscripted fare, said Allison Wallach, president of Fox’s unscripted programming.