Major studios join other companies to launch new streaming advocacy trade group

Major studio streamers are among the first members of a new trade group to advocate for federal and state policies that affect their services.

The Streaming Innovation Alliance includes a membership roster of Netflix, Max, Paramount+, Disney and Peacock, together with Afroland.tv, ForUsByUs Network, TelevisaUnivision, VaultAccess and ViX.

Per Deadline, the senior advisers include former Representative Fred Upton, who was chair of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, and former FCC commissioner Mignon Clyburn, who served as acting chair of the agency.

Charles Rivkin, chairman and CEO of the Motion Picture Association, served a pivotal role in organising the alliance.

In a statement, Rivkin said: “Streaming provides great value, vast programming choices, and unprecedented options for consumers. 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.”

The new trade group was created amid apprehension among members of Congress over streaming and whether regulations should be applied to services as they are for linear TV.

Recently, a House Energy & Commerce subcommittee held a hearing on streaming services, with concerns about data collection and privacy. A poll also showed seven out of ten voters polled were in favour of streaming, with the majority being among younger voters and ethnic groups.