Streaming Companies Unite to Form the Streaming Innovation Alliance, Safeguarding Interests from Regulatory Oversight and Political Influence.
In a groundbreaking move, major streaming companies have united to form the Streaming Innovation Alliance (SIA), marking the first time rival streaming video providers have collaborated on a joint lobbying front. The alliance aims to champion the interests of streaming companies to politicians and governmental bodies.
The SIA’s board boasts representation from global streaming giants such as Netflix, Disney, Warner Bros. Discovery, Paramount+, and Peacock. The coalition includes niche streamers like AfroLandTV, For Us By Us Network, and Vault. However, prominent names like Apple, Amazon, YouTube, and Roku are conspicuously absent from the alliance’s initial lineup.
Two seasoned Washington D.C. leaders, Fred Upton, a Republican with 36 years in the U.S. House of Representatives, and Mignon Clyburn, a Democrat and former Federal Communications Commission acting chair, have been appointed senior SIA advisers.
Charles Rivkin, CEO of the Motion Picture Association, played an instrumental role in the SIA’s formation and emphasized the value and diversity that streaming offers consumers.
The alliance forms when the streaming industry navigates a changing regulatory landscape. As digital television consumption grows, the industry is keen to differentiate premium content providers from user-generated content platforms like TikTok or Meta.
For instance, the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA) introduced earlier this year has been criticized by consumer groups for its broad scope, which potentially groups streaming companies with social media platforms.
Clyburn highlighted the significance of streaming services in promoting diversity, stating that they have ushered in an era of progress by presenting stories relevant to historically marginalized communities.
Upton echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the need to nurture and not stifle the innovation seen in the streaming sector with outdated regulations.
A recent poll released by the SIA revealed that 70% of registered voters have a favourable view of streaming services. The poll also indicated concerns among voters that new regulations might compel streaming services to gather more data or dissuade them from offering specific programs.
Moreover, two-thirds of the respondents expressed fears that new regulations might adversely impact diverse and independent services.
In summary, the Streaming Innovation Alliance represents a unified voice for streaming companies, aiming to navigate the evolving regulatory environment and advocate for policies that foster innovation and diversity in the sector.
Ragul Thangavel
With over nine years of diverse professional experience, Ragul has made significant contributions across various domains, including Media Operations, OTT Technologies, Video Production, Ecommerce, and Social Media.
Holding an Engineering degree, Ragul's career took an unconventional turn when he discovered his passion for writing, leading him to begin his journey as a content writer.
His career has been exclusively dedicated to the growth and development of startups, where he has played a pivotal role. His unique blend of technical knowledge and creative prowess has enabled him to drive innovation and success in every venture he has been a part of.