WGAE Praises Dems' COVID-19 Stimulus Bill

A close-up image of COVID-19
(Image credit: Getty Images)

TV and movie writers are applauding a new coronavirus stimulus bill introduced this week in the House.

The Writers Guild of America, East, issued a statement after Democrats introduced a new $2 trillion-plus relief bill that would provide more checks to pandemic-idled workers.

Specifically WGAE was pleased that the bill made clear that "digital-native" news outlets were eligible for payroll support.

"We represent thousands of digital journalists, too many of whom have faced layoffs and furloughs as the economy has struggled with the pandemic," the union said. "Digital media companies provide vital coverage of local businesses, sports, entertainment, culture, science, and policy – information that people need."

John Eggerton

Contributing editor John Eggerton has been an editor and/or writer on media regulation, legislation and policy for over four decades, including covering the FCC, FTC, Congress, the major media trade associations, and the federal courts. In addition to Multichannel News and Broadcasting + Cable, his work has appeared in Radio World, TV Technology, TV Fax, This Week in Consumer Electronics, Variety and the Encyclopedia Britannica.