Why David Zaslav’s Remarks on Paying Writers Cause Controversy at Boston University

Warner Bros. CEO David Zaslav Booed During Boston University Commencement Speech

The 2023 writers strike has been ongoing for some time now, with no resolution in sight. Amid the strike, screenwriters have been picketing for a new and fair contract with major studios in the industry. Over the weekend, Warner Bros. Discovery president and CEO David Zaslav was met directly with hundreds of such protesters by booing and chanting during his commencement address at Boston University on Sunday.

The Protests

As Zaslav delivered his speech to 2023 graduates and received an honorary degree, a crowd interrupted him at various points with chants like “We don’t want you here,” “Pay your writers,” and “Shut up, Zaslav.” Even before he could begin, an airplane banner with the message “David Zaslav – Pay Your Writers” could be seen flying above the picket and commencement. The protests were a clear message to the CEO that the striking writers demand attention and fair payment for their work in the industry.

Support for the Protests

Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez showed support for the picketing of Zaslav’s address on social media. Sanders, retweeting from the Writers Guild of America East, said that if Warner Bros. Discovery could afford to pay Zaslav $286 million in compensation over the past two years, it can afford to pay writers much better wages and benefits. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez similarly showed her support and spoke out against the unfair treatment of writers.

The Response to Boston University’s Decision

The Writers Guild of America East has expressed deep disappointment with Boston University’s decision to have Zaslav give the commencement speech only two days after the writer’s strike began. The guild also declared its intention to picket, adding that “Boston University should not give voice to someone who wants to destroy their students’ ability to build a career in the film and television industry.”

The Need for Fair Payment

Zaslav and Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos had spoken out in support of a deal with writers prior to the strike, but no agreement could be reached. This shows that there are efforts being made to address the writers’ concerns. In a recent CNBC interview, Zaslav emphasized the importance of fair payment for all industry contributors. “In order to create great storytelling, we need great writers, and we need the whole industry to work together,” he said. “And everybody deserves to be paid fairly. So our number one focus is, let’s try and get this resolved.”

Conclusion

The picketing of Zaslav’s address serves as a clear indication that the issue of fair payment for writers is a pressing one, not just for the striking writers but for the industry as a whole. The future of the entertainment industry depends on the fair and proper treatment of writers, and it is incumbent upon studios to engage in meaningful dialogue and negotiation to reach a solution. Boston University’s decision to have Zaslav speak was misguided, and the protests made that clear. It is crucial that all parties come together to work towards a fair and equitable resolution to this ongoing writers strike.