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TV writers’ strike? What TV writers’ strike?

Ask yourself that question again the next time you tune into “American Gladiators.”

Favorites like “Grey’s Anatomy,” “CSI” and “Desperate Housewives” are all on hiatus because of the Writers Guild of America’s strike, prompting TV networks to show reruns or reality shows.

“American Idol,” which returned this week, has the potential to grab Super Bowl-type ratings even before the contestants have been chosen because there is little new programming to put up against it.

WGA members have been on strike since November, but the impact may be different this time around from the last strike in 1988, when networks lost 10 percent of their audience. Digital alternatives – DVDs, IPTV (Internet protocol television) and VOD (video on demand) – could pose an even greater risk of network viewers not returning.

“I watch things on the Internet or on DVD,” said Jon Allen, 27, of Lawrence. “I don’t really watch much of the regular shows.”

It’s the new technology – and the writers’ demand for their share of royalties – that’s driving the strike.

Many who used to watch television regularly are now watching less, turning to old episodes of “Night Gallery” or “Golden Girls” or using technology to schedule selected programs in sync with their busy lives.

Floral designer Joan Stern, of Lawrence, chooses to watch less television.

“We used to stay up to watch the Letterman or Leno shows. Now that their writers have returned (for those shows only), we have not. We seem to accomplish more in the evening as well,” Stern said.

Lawrence resident Julie Albertson, global eLearning specialist with Colgate-Palmolive, defers her viewing to the weekend when she has more time.

“I don’t necessarily turn on my TV when I get home from work,” Albertson said. “The new social web technologies have made me feel (the programs) are always accessible.”

Architect Jay Zimmerschied, of Lawrence, uses a selective viewing strategy.

“I watch very little prime-time TV as the onslaught of commercial advertising is fragmenting,” Zimmerschied said. “I find myself watching more of the channels offering college athletics and movies, and wandering away to accomplish other tasks during the lengthy commercial breaks.”

As much as it is an inconvenience for some to not be able to watch their favorite shows, those who make their living from it are hurting.

“(My sister’s friend John Postalweit) recently moved to Los Angeles with the hope of one day becoming a producer,” said Robyn Crane. “He landed his first job working for the show ‘The Medium’ as a producer’s assistant. He does anything and everything around the set from creating the credits at the beginning of a show to running for coffee. The job he loves will end this month because of the strike.

“The wardrobe, hairdressers, makeup and more have already been let go; the workplace is a really quiet and depressing place to be.”

But few people in Kansas make their living from TV. For many, it’s entertainment. For Baker University staff member Susan Wade, TV is “practical,” as in HGTV.

“No dramas or crisis there,” said Wade, of Lawrence. “They just visit houses and gardens and give great ideas.”

Mark Turner, a construction worker from Topeka, has another concern.

“I keep up to date with the news and read the papers,” Turner said. “Now, if the journalists went on strike, that would affect me.”

– Pattie Johnston, Eileen Roddy and Joyce Stevens contributed. Johnston, Lignell, Roddy and Stevens are fellows of the Citizen Journalism Academy, sponsored by The World Company and Kansas University’s School of Journalism.