4 ms·

We ought not allow production companies to own distribution channels (and vice-versa), nor long-term exclusive deals with distributors. That's how we solved thi

We ought not allow production companies to own distribution channels (and vice-versa), nor long-term exclusive deals with distributors. That's how we solved this when similar issues arose with studio ownership of movie theaters—those restrictions just ended a little while ago, IIRC. But then, that was back when we, like, ever told companies "no" when it was clearly in the public interest. Not sure we can still do that. Ideally, a production company shouldn't give a shit where you watch their stuff, just that you do. That'd remove most of the friction that makes creation of a universal streaming UI difficult. It'd push distributors to compete on price and features, not exclusive access to content. All around a win for viewers, creating a healthier, more robust market. So, probably won't happen :-(

noahtallen 5y ago
I completely agree! I’ve been thinking about that a lot. I think not allowing exclusive licensing deals at all would be a huge win for consumers. Especially in streaming, but possibly in other areas too. I can’t think of a single reason it’s good for consumers — exclusive access to something on Netflix is ONLY good for Netflix. It’s advertised as good for me, but it’d be even better for me if other services also had it. Exclusive licensing is just a way for the entire streaming industry to avoid competition. Are Netflix and HBO really directly competing if you have to get both to watch the content you want? Sure, they’re competing for my attention with what I end up watching. But if I really want to watch something else, I’ll just get to it later. It’s not really either/or.
ThatPlayer 5y ago
While I agree with the separation, I don't know if exclusive access to content is as bad as you make it out to be. Exclusive deals aren't anything unique to streaming, and even the FTC will say it's a sign of a competitive market [0]. I think there's only so many ways that can compete on features, and price is going to be set by the licenser anyways, who are going to go with the one that pays the best regardless of exclusivity deals. [0] https://www.ftc.gov/tips-advice/competition-guidance/guide-antitrust-laws/single-firm-conduct/exclusive-supply-or https://www.ftc.gov/tips-advice/competition-guidance/guide-a...
- brimble 5y ago
  I think months or even a year is fine—longer-term deals, especially if tied to a whole catalog, start to look too much like ownership.

noahtallen 5y ago

I completely agree! I’ve been thinking about that a lot. I think not allowing exclusive licensing deals at all would be a huge win for consumers. Especially in streaming, but possibly in other areas too. I can’t think of a single reason it’s good for consumers — exclusive access to something on Netflix is ONLY good for Netflix. It’s advertised as good for me, but it’d be even better for me if other services also had it. Exclusive licensing is just a way for the entire streaming industry to avoid competition. Are Netflix and HBO really directly competing if you have to get both to watch the content you want? Sure, they’re competing for my attention with what I end up watching. But if I really want to watch something else, I’ll just get to it later. It’s not really either/or.

ThatPlayer 5y ago

While I agree with the separation, I don't know if exclusive access to content is as bad as you make it out to be. Exclusive deals aren't anything unique to streaming, and even the FTC will say it's a sign of a competitive market [0]. I think there's only so many ways that can compete on features, and price is going to be set by the licenser anyways, who are going to go with the one that pays the best regardless of exclusivity deals. [0] https://www.ftc.gov/tips-advice/competition-guidance/guide-antitrust-laws/single-firm-conduct/exclusive-supply-or https://www.ftc.gov/tips-advice/competition-guidance/guide-a...

brimble 5y ago
I think months or even a year is fine—longer-term deals, especially if tied to a whole catalog, start to look too much like ownership.