Disney, Netflix, and Max Join Forces To Create the Streaming Innovation Alliance
In a Hollywood that has seen increased labor unrest, the formation of new unions, and the almost complete shutdown of production this year, a new trade group has emerged — the Streaming Innovation Alliance (SIA).
The group, which includes Netflix, Disney, Warner Bros. Discovery, Paramount, and other major players in streaming, promotes their interests to politicians and government entities.
According to the SIA’s website, the launch members of the trade group are: AfroLandTV, America Nu Network, BET+, Discovery+, For Us By Us Network, Max, the Motion Picture Association, MotorTrend+, Netflix, Paramount+, Peacock, PlutoTV, Telemundo, TelevisaUnivision and Vix, Vault and the Walt Disney Co.
According to the group, the new alliance will “advocate for federal and state policies that build on the strong, competitive, and pro-consumer market for streaming video.”
Tapping Leaders From Both Sides of the Aisle
To head the Streaming Innovation Alliance has tapped two well-known DC leaders as senior advisors. The first is Fred Upton, a Republican who is a 36-year veteran of the U.S. House of Representatives.
“The rise of innovative, new video streaming services is an American success story we should celebrate and encourage. Not smother with obsolete and ill-fitting rules and regulations designed for completely different technology, products, and business models,” Upton said.
From the other side of the aisle is Mignon Clyburn. The Democrat served as the acting chair of the Federal Communications Commission.
“Streaming services have opened up a new era of progress for program diversity that is bringing relevant stories and options to historically underserved communities at a record pace while opening doors for production jobs to people of color that have been shut for decades. Any policy that drags down streaming would turn back the clock on this vital progress as well.”
According to the SIA, Charles Rivkin, chairman and CEO of the Motion Picture Association, played a “leading role” in organizing the new trade group.
“Streaming provides great value, vast programming choices, and unprecedented options for consumers,” Rivkin said in a statement. “The MPA looks forward to working with the SIA and its members to ensure federal and state policy propels this incredible innovation forward – and doesn’t undermine the value and diversity consumers are enjoying today.”
Streaming is Viewed Favorably
In conjunction with their launch, the SIA released poll results that found that 70% of registered voters view streaming services “favorably” or “very favorable” with approval even higher among younger voters and in communities of color.
Interestingly, Apple, Amazon, YouTube, and Roku are not founding members of the SIA. It remains to be seen if those streamers will join.