The titans of late night, including Stephen Colbert, Jimmy Kimmel, Jimmy Fallon, Seth Meyers, and John Oliver, have joined forces to support their striking employees by launching a new podcast called “Strike Force Five.” The intention behind this podcast is to provide a platform for the hosts to discuss various topics while adhering to the guidelines set forth by strike regulators.
SAG-AFTRA, the union representing actors and other entertainment industry professionals, has expressed its support for the podcast under the condition that it does not promote struck work. As long as the podcast remains within these limitations, it is considered compliant with SAG-AFTRA TV/Theatrical/Streaming strike rules. Consequently, the hosts have received the union’s approval to produce the podcast during the strike period.
Although the podcast has their blessing, the hosts should exercise caution when discussing certain topics to stay in the good graces of the actors union. While the podcast itself is not a direct promotion of anything, the challenge lies in avoiding any appearances of promotion when discussing movies or shows that are currently trending. This can be particularly difficult for the hosts, considering that discussing films and projects is an integral part of their normal jobs. However, since the podcast episodes are pre-recorded, they have the opportunity to edit out any content that may venture into promotional territory.
One crucial aspect of this new podcast is that all money earned from its production will be donated directly to the late-night hosts’ own writers, who have been unable to work since May due to the ongoing strike. This initiative ensures that the talented writers receive much-needed financial support during these challenging times.
The “Strike Force Five” podcast is set to have 12 episodes, which will be hosted on the Spotify platform. While the specific topics of discussion have not been revealed, it is highly likely that the ongoing strikes will be the primary focus. The podcast officially launched on Wednesday, and fans can expect more episodes to come in the future.
Overall, the collaboration of these late-night hosts on the “Strike Force Five” podcast showcases their dedication to supporting their striking employees and raising awareness about the current labor disputes in the entertainment industry. By providing a platform for open discussions and donating the proceeds to their writers, the hosts are demonstrating the power of solidarity and the importance of supporting workers in their respective fields. As the podcast continues to gain traction, it has the potential to serve as a source of inspiration and encouragement for other entertainment industry professionals facing similar challenges.
