Comedy Writers

There is nothing funny about being funny, at least not for TV comedy writers. Many have gone from gags to riches, but the men who sell their wit to TV comics insist that the job of writing a series of shows that are supposed to make people laugh, week after week, is the most grueling job ever invented in the name of humor.

There are probably not more than 250 practicing TV comedy writers in the U.S. As part of a research project for a master's degree, Frank Orser, graduate student in the department of speech at Ohio State University, queried as many as he could track down for some basic information. Fifty-six answered, including such famed TV writers and comedians as Steve Allen, Henry Morgan and Garry Moore. A summary of their answers:

P: On their own vital statistics: the average TV comedy writer is 38.8 years old. Most of them are married, come from large cities, have had some college education, are Jewish and, before becoming writers, did everything from washing dishes to assisting veterinarians.

P: On relations with their employers: "A comedian is usually an insecure and frightened man. The more contact he has with his writers, the more confidence he is apt to have in the script."

P: On writer-comedian conferences: "An incredible bore . . . Most comedians are not qualified judges of the kind of material they should use."

P: On how to become a comedy writer: "Marry a rich girl; short of this-- marry a funny girl who can write for you; short of this-- be General Sarnoff's son.

"AND On "the finest writer in TV today" : many writers voted for themselves, but over all, the man named most often was Nat (the Phil Silvers Show) Hiken. Said Hiken last week: "Sure, I think I'm the best, and every other professional comedy writer who's any good thinks he's the best. He's gotta. It's that kinda business " Hiken added, after a moments reflection: "But don't let them kid you.

I'm really the best."

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