Studios rake in profits during writers' strike with plans for streaming price hikes

Disney said it will introduce a cheaper ad-supported streaming service in Europe while their ad-free service will increase in price

The strike by the writers, which began in May, has already run longer than the union’s previous work stoppage in 2007. New film and TV production, particularly for scripted series, has almost ground to halt. Picture: Bebeto Matthews/AP

Large media companies have been reporting stronger-than-expected profits as the twin strikes by Hollywood writers and actors grind on.

While the executives who make and distribute films and TV shows all say they’d like their workers to return soon, their businesses are seeing a huge short-term benefit from the work stoppages: No production means no expenses.