Networks could be the biggest loser in the writer’s strike.

They might find that people are bored with endless reruns. Instead, people might go to alternative entertainment sources — and find they like those sources better!

For example:

1. You Tube

2. Surfing the Net

3. Watch movies via NetFlix and other low-priced rental services

4. Participate in community events and politics

5. Participate in local sports

6. Go to sporting events, concerts and other live entertainment events

7. Family time

After experiencing alternative entertainment, people might find they’ve weaned themselves from TV. Don’t laugh. Daily newspapers are losing readers to online news sources. It could happen to networks as well.

Most people look for a win-win settlement. Some people want a win-lose settlement. The writer’s strike threatens to be the first strike in which not only the principles lose, but so do lots of of other groups.

For example:

1. Writers lose money in lost wages. It could take years for them to recover the money they haven’t been paid over the last few months.

2. Actors lose money because episodes are not shot.

3. Businesses that support actors lose money as they services are not needed. Think of caterers, make up artists, etc.

4. Networks lose revenue as fewer people tune in to watch reruns. They can’t charge advertisers the original rates.

The ripple effects of the strike point to the “Law of Unintended Consequences.” More about that tomorrow.