The Writers Guild of America (WGA) is preparing for their first strike in over 15 years, as negotiations with major studios over wages have reached a stalemate.

Over 9,000 Hollywood TV and movie screenwriters, representing over 98% of voting members, are expected to participate in the upcoming strike.

The strike comes after the studios failed to come to an agreement with the writers over compensation for their work that frequently lingers on streaming services for years, as well as the potential effects of artificial intelligence on writing.

The WGA has advised its members to be prepared to picket if a new deal was not negotiated by the deadline.

Late-night programming may end as of midnight (US time), and upcoming programming and films may experience delays.

The impact of the strike could be significant, as the last WGA strike in 2007 cost the US $2 billion.

Despite the studios’ statement that they need to reduce expenses due to mounting debt, residuals payouts to writers reached an all-time high of $494 million in 2021.

However, the writers claim that they are still being paid less than ever, with many struggling to make ends meet in expensive cities like New York and Los Angeles.

“Although we are producing creative output that meets the needs of the streaming era, we are being paid less than ever,” said Alex O’Keefe, a writer for the comedy-drama series The Bear and a member of the union. “And writers like me, especially young, Black, indigenous, and writers of color, have infused the process with an entirely new wave of creativity.”

“However, we are finding it difficult to live in cities where we need to be in writers’ rooms, such as New York City and Los Angeles.” According to Alex O’Keefe, “I wouldn’t categorize all writers as being poor or broke, but I can state that I have $6 in my bank account.”

The strike is a result of an “existential crisis” that writers are experiencing, as they fight for their creative value and wages.

The WGA is determined to fight for the rights of its members, who are the backbone of the entertainment industry, as they embark on this historic strike.

As Queen Elizabeth II’s son, King Charles, prepares for his own coronation on May 6th, memories of the young queen’s coronation in 1953 resurface.

Twelve individuals who witnessed the historic event, including Pamela Tawse and Brenda Piper, shared their vivid recollections in an interview.

Tawse, who was just 18 and had just finished her night shift as a nurse, joined the massive crowds in central London hoping to catch a glimpse of the young queen.

The memory that stood out for her was the thunderous roar of the crowds as the queen approached.

Tawse had decorated hospital bedpans with red, white, and blue tape, in celebration of the new head of the royal family.

For Piper, who slept on the pavement to secure a good view of the procession, the sense of amazement at the spectacle was overwhelming.

Piper recalls that the coronation marked the beginning of a new era, from coffee bars to spaghetti bolognese, and mini skirts. She sees it as a pivotal moment in British history.

Both women were among the estimated three million people who lined the procession route in London, watched on television for the first time, or followed from the British colonies.

The coronation was a chance for the country to celebrate and show off its opulence and glamour, despite still enduring rationing after World War II.

As King Charles prepares for his coronation, the memories of the young queen’s coronation in 1953 are a reminder of the traditions and pageantry of the British monarchy, and the excitement and optimism that comes with the beginning of a new reign.

Veteran singer, Chris Mba, is dead. He died on Wednesday at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital after a long battle with heart issues.

Disclosing this on his social media account Michael Odiong, the General Manager of Premier Music which Chris was signed to said:

He wrote, “PREMIER RECORDS EXPRESSES SADNESS ON THE DEATH OF ONE OF ITS ARTISTES, CHRIS MBA.

“The management of Premier Records Ltd has expressed sadness on the demise of one of its artistes, Chris Mba, who passed on yesterday 3rd May 2023 after a long battle with heart issues.

“According to the general manager of the label, Michael Odiong, Chris Mba was a bundle of talent who localised pop music by adding local instruments into his music to give the African feel. He made waves in the late 80s up to the 90s when he released hits like “Baby Don’t Cry”, “Money” etc.

“We condole with the family and pray God to give them the fortitude to bear the loss.”