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.
Channel 5 rebrands linear and streaming platforms
The UK’s Channel 5 and My5 have relaunched as 5, uniting the broadcaster’s linear and streaming platforms under one brand.
Comcast agrees $3bn Olympics rights and technology deal
Comcast NBC Universal has agreed a $3bn deal that will keep its NBC network and streaming platform Peacock as the US homes of the Olympic Games through 2036.
BBC leads nominations for RTS Programme Awards 2025
The Royal Television Society (RTS) has revealed the nominations for its Programme Awards 2025, which take place on March 25 at the JW Marriott Grosvenor House Hotel in London.
BBC secures TV rights for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland international football
The BBC has agreed an exclusive deal to broadcast Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland men’s international football matches in the run-up to the FIFA Men’s World Cup 2026.
Shadowbox Studios hires Mike Mosallam as Chief Operating Officer
Global studio operator Shadowbox Studios, the owner of Atlanta’s Shadowbox Studios in the US and Shinfield Studios in the UK, has appointed Mike Mosallam as its first Chief Operating Officer.
