The striking Writers Guild of America has called on regulators to increase their oversight of streamers, saying that three companies—Disney, Amazon, and Netflix—are “poised to be the new gatekeepers of media.”
The Guild released a new report detailing how deregulation and the growing dominance of streaming has changed the media landscape.
It said that Disney, Amazon, and Netflix have increased market share and leverage through acquisitions.
The WGA called on antitrust agencies and lawmakers to take action “to protect the future prospect of a more diverse and less concentrated media landscape.”
“Writers forced to strike in this climate should come as a surprise to no one,” said WGAW Research & Public Policy Director Laura Blum-Smith.
“We’re transitioning from a period of rapid investment and competition that brought about new and diverse content to a monopolistic model that will concentrate control over entertainment programming in the hands of just a few large and powerful corporations. For writers, that means fewer buyers for their work, employers who exert more leverage in individual deal negotiations, and depressed pay and working conditions.”
Members of the WGA have been on strike since May, and are calling for higher compensation, staffing guarantees and protections around the use of artificial intelligence (AI), in talks with Hollywood studios.
The SAG-AFTRA actors union, which went on strike July 14, also is seeking an increase in base pay and residuals.
WGA and studio negotiators recently returned to the bargaining table but have yet to reach a deal.
You are not signed in
Only registered users can comment on this article.
12 US states to block Paramount’s Warner Bros Discovery deal
The Writers Guild of America and a coalition of US states have both filed major antitrust lawsuits to challenge Paramount Skydance’s planned acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD).
Netflix explores live TV and bundles
Netflix reportedly is exploring the addition of live channels and bundling other subscription-based streaming services in a bid to bolster subscriber engagement.
Fubo TV names Alisa Bowen as CEO
Fubo TV names Alisa Bowen as CEO Sports and entertainment streamer Fubo TV has hired Disney executive Alisa Bowen as Chief Executive.
ITV scores with 18m audience for England quarter-final victory
A peak audience of 18m viewers watched ITV's coverage of England's World quarter-final victory against Norway on Saturday, June 11, its biggest peak audience since the Euro 2024 Final.
Arri sells global rental business
Camera and lighting manufacturer Arri is planning to sell its global rental activities in Europe, the UK, and North America to H2 Equity Partners, as part of a management buy-out.
