[mikester]

Letterman and Leno are both writer's guild members. Letterman's production company did sign the contract the writer's guild wanted allowing its shows (Letterman's and Ferguson's late night show) to go on WITH writers.

Leno and Conan's shows are owned by NBC who has not entered into any agreement with the guild. I know Leno is a guild member and I'm pretty sure Conan is as well so I am surprised they crossed the lines to put their shows on the air. NBC has no agreement with the guild so those shows are going on the air and ad libbing without writers. Apparently since Leno is a member there is some question about if he can perform even his own work (crazy).

I'm not a big union guy myself so I don't much care. I like Letterman better anyway, Leno's a tool.