WGAW Statement on the California State Senate’s Vote to Preserve Net Neutrality

Los Angeles – The Writers Guild of America West issued the following statement today in response to the California State Senate’s hearing and vote to advance legislation to preserve net neutrality:

“With today’s California State Senate hearing and vote to advance SB 460, the Consumer Protection and Net Neutrality Act of 2018, California legislators have taken an important step toward protecting the open Internet. Despite the national outcry, FCC Chairman Ajit Pai has maneuvered control of the Internet into the hands of corporate gatekeepers. Fortunately we have elected leaders who believe it is their job to protect consumers and serve the public interest. State action is needed because an open Internet is vital to the entertainment and tech industries that fuel our economy. Net neutrality rules are necessary to protect Californians’ access to the online content and services of their choice, especially when almost 70% of the population has only one option for high-speed wired broadband. If Washington continues to turn its back on consumers and content creators, it’s up to California to take the lead.”

The Writers Guild of America West (WGAW) is a labor union representing writers of motion pictures, television, radio, and Internet programming, including news and documentaries. Founded in 1933, the Guild negotiates and administers contracts that protect the creative and economic rights of its members. It is involved in a wide range of programs that advance the interests of writers, and is active in public policy and legislative matters on the local, national, and international levels. For more information on the WGAW, please visit: www.wga.org.