The TV writers and agents had been operating under a franchise agreement that took effect in 1976. The four major agencies — William Morris Endeavor, Creative Artists Agency, United Talent Agency and ICM Partners — had been steadfast in shunning the writers’ attempt to make serious changes to the structure that has long been in place. The writers’ unions, which went on strike in 2007 and nearly did so again two years ago, have traditionally had disputes with their bosses at the big studios. Two specific practices have gnawed at television writers. This development, the writers say, can mean that agents sit across the table from executives who are essentially their colleagues in what the unions call a conflict of interest.

Source: New York Times April 13, 2019 00:40 UTC