Hollywood Writers Strike for First Time in 15 Years on Pay Hikes

Writers for some of the most popular shows on television are walking off the job, striking for higher pay amid rapid changes in the way people watch their programs and films.

The Writers Guild of America, which represents more than 11,500 Hollywood scribes, said its strike is effective Tuesday morning Los Angeles time. Members voted overwhelmingly to authorize the walkout last month.

As a result, work on late night talk shows — such as Jimmy Kimmel Live and The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon — and soap operas could halt immediately. Depending on how long the work stoppage lasts, consumers ...