Law and Order will be in syndication for a long time, so that isn’t it.
Undoubtedly, and Fred has no authority, however he is absent in most episodes, and a polite request might be honored until after the election. Just speculating.
It’s not the syndication, it is still in seasonal repeat. That is his contract and he has an obligation to let that run until the new season begins without him. That has been the delay.
As far as syndication, they will have to pull the episodes with him for equal time until this is over. just like Arnold in CA.
I think it may only be this most recent season that is in question, because they may still be being played as re-runs on the original channel, NBC. When the new season begins, he won’t be on the show, and it won’t be an issue.