The announcement that the Golden Globes will be cancelled and only a press conference held isn't surprising, but at the same time it's shocking, if that's possible.

It will be a tremendous hit to NBC and anyone associated with the awards show, to say nothing of depriving actors from the wide exposure prior to Oscar nominations -- the real reason for the Globes in the first place. But, a picket line can't be crossed. Other awards shows like The Broadcast Critics' Award show had many big stars in attendance, probably aware that the Globes would not be held. They will also turn up for the Screen Actors' Guild awards, which also got a waiver from the striking writers' union.

On the horizon, of course, are the Oscars. I can't imagine there not being Oscars as we know them, but it's a definite possibility. No one benefits from this situation, and it will be interesting to see if the Oscars do get cancelled or truncated in some way and how the box office will be affected. That, after all, is the real reason for these awards shows.

Again, I'm calling for a federal mediator or someone mutually respected like former Labor Secretary Robert Reich, now a Harvard professor, to summon the parties to binding arbitration. Too many people not directly involved in the strike are being hurt.

This has gone on too long.