Breaking Down the Backlash: Why David Zaslav's Comments on Writer Pay Ignite

  Backlash, WWE's annual post-WrestleMania event, can bring many surprises. Owens and Zayn could return as gatecrashers, The Bloodline could win back their titles or perhaps there will be an entirely new star emerge at Backlash. It could also result in major shifts in online content production. Should the writers' strike drag on for too long, its effects will eventually manifest on streaming services and disrupt content creation processes. What Zaslav Won’t Say CNBC "Squawk Box" host asked Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav whether the ongoing Writers Guild of America strike would end due to "a love for working." While such sentiment is easy for someone with a $35 million annual salary to espouse, such comments suggest WBD doesn't exactly have any sympathy or empathy towards its striking writers. Zaslav addressed the WGA strike during a commencement speech at Boston University on Sunday, but only after being interrupted by graduates chanting: "Pay Your Writers". According to BU Today, Zaslav said, if one wanted to succeed in life one must get along with everyone -- including difficult people. After being asked by CNBC co-hosts Andrew Ross Sorkin and Joe Kernen whether certain studios may actually welcome the strike because it will help cut costs, Zaslav responded that WBD's direct-to-consumer business in America is expected to turn profitable this year. Why He Won’t Say It As the writers strike drags on, studio heads like David Zaslav are facing increasing backlash for their remarks about it. He made an appearance on CNBC's Squawk Box Friday morning and was asked by hosts Andrew Ross Sorkin and Joe Kernen whether he was "glad" that WGA members weren't writing; in response he replied no; rather they weren't glad and "we aren't glad at all". Given all of the attention surrounding the strike over recent weeks, this response came as something of a shocker to many. Simply put, it is a direct rebuke of the AMPTP's position on pay, suggesting studios should rejoice that writers cannot afford to continue working when not receiving enough wages to support themselves and their families. On a call that was broadcast online and featured multiple questions from analysts, Zaslav was also asked about his plans for Warner Media. Although he didn't reveal much, it became apparent that WBD will take steps not to overspend in an attempt to attract subscribers and compete against the major streaming services; this approach marks a departure from previous WarnerMedia leadership tactics and could help stabilize it short term. WBD faces several significant obstacles when it comes to maintaining relationships with top talents and creatives, particularly after recent controversies like Batgirl being cancelled and its creator, Brian Azzarello's dismissiveness of DC Comics fans, has raised serious trust issues within its ranks. Zaslav and his new team must address this trust issue if they hope to keep WBD healthy. Zaslav was also perturbed by Netflix, which he described as an intriguing new model. When asked by WBD how this might impact them, Zaslav responded that competition is healthy and industry will keep expanding; furthermore he found unfair how Netflix compensated studios when buying shows from WBD studios. WarnerMedia recently shelled out significant funds to hire Christopher Nolan to direct Star Wars Episode IX, so this last point may sting particularly deeply. While other star talent might forgive WBD for mishandling their contracts over recent years, Zaslav likely won't have as much goodwill with fellow studio heads after this week and may find it harder than usual to bring people onboard when it's time for WBD to produce new shows again - something no company wants happening! What He Won’t Say Since the WGA strike began, its CEO - who reportedly makes an estimated annual salary of $35 Million - has come under intense criticism. At his commencement speech at Boston University he was heckled by graduating students who shouted out a message: Pay your writers. Zaslav was asked by CNBC's Squawk Box whether the strike had any negative repercussions for his company and gave a straightforward reply: "We don't like this happening." Zaslav was direct when asked by the hosts whether media companies like his were pleased that writers are striking, thinking it will help cut costs for media. He replied in the negative and stated he did not find this situation amusing or encouraging and hopes it is resolved quickly. Others speculate that an extended strike could diminish 2024 earnings and free cash flow, though LightShed Partners analyst Rich Greenfield does not see it that way due to studios having the flexibility to postpone content scheduled for 2023 into 2025; plus writers don't request significantly more than what other production staffers already receive like higher residuals from streaming shows; therefore he believes the company is well positioned to weather this challenge.