WGA Strike Prompts Apple to Issue Refunds

Some television shows, music videos and short films available via iTunes never aired due to the Writers Guild of America Strike, which most people should be familiar with. As a result, Apple is now issuing refunds to iTunes customers who have bought season passes to the respective shows, as they (the shows) may not feature the same number of episodes as planned.

Apple has notified some of its iTunes users via email. "Some," because, according to TUAW (and a few other sources), only "some customers are finding an instant iTunes Store credit that may be used towards the purchase of any two TV episodes, music videos, or short films on the iTunes Store." Whether only "some" iTunes users have bothered to report their findings or only "some" shows are missing so many episodes that refunds are definitely in order for the buyer remains to be seen.

Here's how it's going down, according to Apple who talks to customers in first person:

"As you may have heard, the Writers Guild of America, the union representing TV and movie writers, has settled its strike and its members have returned to work. Because of the strike your season pass for [Season Name] may have fewer episodes than were scheduled by the network at the time of your purchase.

We will make all additional episodes which are broadcast during the 2007-08 season available to you as we receive them. If the season does end up with fewer episodes, you will receive a partial refund to make up for the difference.

For now, I have granted two free video credits to your account which you can use to purchase any two TV episodes, music videos, or short films on the iTunes Store.

Your video credit balance should display in the upper-right corner of iTunes next to your account name. If it does not, please sign out and sign back in to refresh. The sign out/sign in functions are found under the Store menu of iTunes. I apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused and thank you for being an iTunes customer."

So, have you received your email from Apple?

Via UneasySilence

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