Colbert to picketers: Have some chili

NEW YORK -- About two dozen striking writers picketed this afternoon in front of the Manhattan studios where Comedy Central hosts Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert were taping their first shows since the strike began.

The WGA has stressed that these pickets -- like the ones in front of the studios of NBC hosts Jay Leno and Conan O'Brien -- were aimed at the networks, not the comedians themselves. For his part, Colbert didn't seem to take it personally. His staff set up a table with hot chili and bread on the sidewalk with a sign reading: "For picketers only -- enjoy."

Still, none of the writers from "The Daily Show" or "The Colbert Report" participated in the pickets.

"We think when you look at it at first glance, it could look like the writers are picketing their shows," said "Colbert" writer Laura Krafft. "We're really on strike against the producers."

The "Colbert" writers plan to gather tonight to watch the first broadcast put on without their participation.

"We're very sad they have to go back on the air, but we have nothing but support for Stephen, and we know he'd much rather be back there with us," Krafft said. "He's told us that numerable times. Everyone is unhappy about it."

Comedy Central was mum about what kind of shows Stewart and Colbert would put on, though a spokesman said the hosts were aware that segments like Colbert's "The Word" that are usually written by guild writers constitute "struck work" and were off limits.

"I don't know what he's going to do," Krafft said. "He's a very talented, very funny, very smart guy, so he'll figure something out."

More news on the strike

-- Matea Gold