Striking writers reach tentative deal with studios

LOS ANGELES, Feb 9 (Reuters) - The union representing striking Hollywood writers said on Saturday it had reached a "tentative deal" with the studios after a three-month walkout that has crippled television production, hurt the local economy and overshadowed the awards season.

"While this agreement is neither perfect nor perhaps all that we deserve for the countless hours of hard work and sacrifice, our strike has been a success," the Writers Guild of America said in a memo emailed to members.

Members will meet in New York and Los Angeles later on Saturday to discuss specific terms, the ratification process and ending the strike, the union added.

(Reporting by Dean Goodman and Steve Gorman; Editing by Vicki Allen)