WGA, Producers Reach Tentative Deal

Representatives of the Writers Guild of America reached a tentative agreement with producers on a new contract late Thursday.

A previous agreement negotiated with producers was torpedoed last year by members in a narrow vote, largely because of opposition from writers in the eastern faction of the guild. No details were available. The agreement follows a tentative pact between producers and members of the Screen Actors Guild.

Like actors, writers are tabling the most explosive issue of foreign and cable TV residuals, with a promise from producers to discuss the way writers are compensated for work that appears in those markets.