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No Joke: Comedians May Go On Strike It doesn't always pay to be funny. Especially if you're an unknown stand-up comic living in New York City. Fed up with decades of measly paychecks and indifferent bookers, over 300 comedians have formed a new group, the New York Comedians Coalition. Two weeks ago, the coalition sent a letter to owners of 11 clubs asking for their first significant pay raise in decades. If the demands aren't met, the comedians are going on strike.

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No Joke: Comedians May Go On Strike

Heard on Talk of the Nation

No Joke: Comedians May Go On Strike

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It doesn't always pay to be funny. Especially if you're an unknown stand-up comic living in New York City. Fed up with decades of measly paychecks and indifferent bookers, over 300 comedians have formed a new group, the New York Comedians Coalition. Two weeks ago, the coalition sent a letter to owners of 11 clubs asking for their first significant pay raise in decades. If the demands aren't met, the comedians are going on strike.

Guests:

Ted Alexandro, New York City comedian; has appeared on David Letterman and Conan O'Brian late shows; had a special on Comedy Central

Alan Corey, real estate investor; struggling comedian living in New York