Hollywood strike averted as writers, producers reach deal

LOS ANGELES - A tentative deal was reached between screenwriters and producers, averting a strike that could have crippled TV and film production and inflicted harm on the wider California economy.

The three-year agreement, which requires ratification by members of the Writers Guild of America, was confirmed by the guild and producers' spokesman Jarryd Gonzales shortly after the current contract expired early on Tuesday. Further details weren't immediately available.

The two sides held to a media blackout during negotiations that began on March 13 and centered on compensation and healthcare.