57% of Americans are against the idea of regulating streaming services in a manner similar to cable TV
An increasing number of local governments are exploring the imposition of cable-like taxes on streaming services, a move that appears to face opposition from a majority of Americans, according to recent survey findings released by the Preserve Viewer Choice Coalition. This consumer advocacy group, consisting of streaming platforms such as YouTube TV and Hulu, revealed that 57% of Americans are against the idea of regulating streaming services in a manner similar to cable TV.
Bryce Harlow, a spokesperson for the Preserve Viewer Choice Coalition, emphasized that viewers value the freedom to choose their content and control costs. He stated, “Viewers want the ability to choose their content and control costs and oppose proposals for the FCC to regulate streaming like cable, which jeopardizes those priorities.”
As various states attempt, with varying degrees of success, to levy taxes on streaming services in response to the decline in traditional cable subscriptions, the coalition’s survey sheds light on public sentiment. States such as Maine, Georgia, Virginia, New York, and Florida have witnessed legislative proposals in this regard. While taxes have been implemented in Florida and Chicago, initiatives faced defeat in Georgia.
Resistance to these proposals has been evident, with Missouri’s House of Representatives recently introducing a bill to prevent local governments from imposing additional fees on streaming services. A U.S. judge also weighed in, asserting that streamers, unlike cable TV providers with physical infrastructure, should not be subjected to such taxes.
The Preserve Viewer Choice Coalition was established in response to requests from local ABC, CBS, FOX, and NBC owners urging the Federal Communications Commission to treat streaming platforms similarly to cable TV companies. Alongside Hulu and YouTube TV, the coalition includes Fubo, Roku, Telemundo, and Univision.
In addition to opposing regulations on streamers, the coalition’s poll, involving 1,573 registered voters in the U.S., revealed that 64% of respondents preferred streaming services over traditional cable or satellite options. Furthermore, 20% of viewers expressed difficulty in streaming local news and indicated a preference for watching broadcasts on portable devices like phones, laptops, and tablets rather than television sets. The survey also highlighted that participants prioritized cost and convenience over the ability to watch live content on TV.
