Comedy Saves Democracy
WGAW PAC event successfully raises funds for PAC-endorsed candidates.
(10/3/2022)
WGAW members gathered at the home of WGAW President Meredith Stiehm earlier this month for “Comedy Saves Democracy,” the first in-person Political Action Committee (PAC) fundraising event since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. The event raised money for the PAC’s endorsed candidates: both House and Senate candidates and incumbents, with a special local endorsement for Karen Bass for Los Angeles Mayor.
Hosted by Board of Directors member Adam Conover, the night was full of great stand-up comedy, with performances by Hannah Einbinder (Hacks), Mekki Leeper (The Sex Lives of College Girls), Jermaine Fowler (Coming 2 America), and Sheng Wang (Sweet and Juicy).
Each election cycle, the WGAW PAC Board, which is appointed by the Board of Directors, evaluates candidates to endorse based on a combination of their records in Congress and responses to the candidate questionnaire.
Indeed, the stakes for our members could not be higher, as we face hyper media consolidation that threatens competitive markets in which writers thrive. Most recently the Warner Bros. Discovery merger meant massive layoffs, multiple series being removed from streaming libraries, and current and ordered shows cancelled without warning, including critically acclaimed shows created by BIPOC artists telling bold new stories.
In existence since 2008, the WGAW PAC supports candidates who support the economic health of our industry, our members, and our union. The PAC strengthens our efforts to build lasting relationships with elected leaders. Whether it’s raising awareness about the power of the media conglomerates that depress our wages and conditions, advocating for more competition and maintaining an open internet, or supporting policies so writers can continue to count on our hallmark health and pension benefits, our representatives in Congress must know where we stand. Working closely with members of the House and Senate Judiciary, Commerce, and Labor Committees, we ensure through legislative visits and PAC contributions that writers’ priorities are heard with one voice.
There are many ways to get involved prior to Election Day on Tuesday, November 8. You will be receiving your ballot in the mail in October. You can contribute to the WGAW PAC and vote early for your PAC-endorsed candidates. It’s your PAC, it is your power. Learn more about the WGAW PAC here.