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Scott Jagow: I doubt we’ll see anything graphic at the Emmy awards this Sunday. Except maybe TV producers crying about the state of their business. More now from Lisa Napoli.

Lisa Napoli: The Writer’s Guild of America contract runs out on Halloween. And in anticipation of a strike, Hollywood’s ramped up show production.

Tinseltown watcher Nikki Finke says given that and the general state of the industry, there’s likely to be some forced gaiety at this weekend’s festivities.

Nikki Finke: Well, it’s a little bit like celebrating at a funeral. The TV business right now is in such trouble.

After all, in the age of Tivo and the Internet, TV advertising has hit the skids. Finke says a strike at this point could further paralyze the industry.

Finke: It would be very serious for the Los Angeles economy, for the international economy, and also, you know, there’ll be nothing to watch.

In Los Angeles, I’m Lisa Napoli for Marketplace.