Wells Won’t Run Again for Writers Guild Post

John Wells, the television producer who led the Writers Guild of America’s West Coast faction during its recent contract negotiations with studios, won’t be running for president again.

The decision by Wells, after a standard two-year term, comes as no surprise, given a hectic production schedule that includes overseeing such top shows as “E.R.,” “The West Wing” and “Third Watch.”

The Writers Guild said the two nominees for president are Michael Mahern, who co-chaired the guild’s negotiating committee, and board member Victoria Riskin. The election is scheduled for Sept. 20.

Separately, the Directors Guild of America said TV and film director Jack Shea was reelected as its president.