'Top Model' strike raises season concerns

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LOS ANGELES, Aug. 18 (UPI) -- The Los Angeles strike by 12 writers from CW's "America's Next Top Model" has some worrying there may be problems with the show's upcoming new season.

The seventh cycle of the reality program is slated to begin Sept. 20, but many in Hollywood, such as Writers Guild of America Executive Director David Young, are speculating that the new season will be delayed or will offer a lower quality product, E! Online said.

"Many of the writers of 'America's Next Top Model' have worked on the show for several seasons and are concerned for the quality of this season if the show is produced without them," Young said in a letter last month to CW affiliates.

The writers are striking for guild representation.

John Maatta, CW's chief operating officer, has told his network's local affiliates the fashion show's new season will not suffer due to the strike and will air all of its episodes on time.

"Principal photography of this cycle has been completed," he said in a recent statement on the hit show starring model Tyra Banks. "Episodes are being edited as part of the post-production process; and the delivery of the episodes is on schedule."

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