Streaming Giants Unite in New Coalition Pushing for Tech-Neutral Policies
Big streaming names Amazon, Netflix, and YouTube have formed a new policy coalition to support their shared interests on key issues. The Streaming Access and Choice Alliance was launched Monday with TechNet as its leader. The group aims to advocate for 'technology-neutral policies that encourage innovation in entertainment,' according to TechNet.
The alliance's formation comes after government regulators scrutinized sports leagues moving their rights to streaming platforms, prompting the streamers to come together. Over the past year, regulators have questioned whether too many sports rights are being moved over to paywalled streaming services due to an antitrust exemption granted to sports leagues.
The Department of Justice and Federal Communications Commission opened an inquiry into revisiting the Sports Broadcasting Act of 1961, which allows leagues to pool and sell TV rights collectively. FCC Chairman Brendan Carr has questioned whether too many sports rights are moving over to streaming services as a result of this exemption.