A festering stalemate in contract negotiations between the stars of "The Simpsons" and Rupert Murdoch's Fox Television is threatening to kill the 16th season of the wildly successful animated sitcom. The six top actors who voice the characters of "The Simpsons" - Dan Castellaneta, Julie Kavner, Hank Azaria, Nancy Cartwright, Yeardley Smith and Harry Shearer have joined in a united front to demand a huge raise from the network. Fox has flatly refused their demands - which Azaria rep Stan Rosenfield yesterday said was simply "to be paid their fair share." The six (who have been earning less than $1 million each per season) want in excess of $8 million per season to stay on the show - which has conservatively earned Fox hundreds of millions of dollars. The six actors have not shown up for two script readings in the past few weeks, holding up production on the upcoming 16th season.

The cast has been working without a contract since November. If they don't get their price, Fox might find itself in the embarrassing predicament at next month's network "upfronts" (where the prime schedules are announced) of being unable to count on "The Simpsons," which long has been the crown jewel of Fox's prime-time schedule.
geklaut von simpsonschannel.com

Der Anfang vom Ende? Wahrscheinlich. 8 Millionen pro Season? lol

Schade schade. Hoffentlich lenkt Fox ein!