California Bill Targets Loud Streaming Commercials
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Believe it or not, an 8-month-old’s sleep schedule is at the heart of a debate between california lawmakers and the entertainment industry over excessively loud commercials on streaming services.
The Issue: Volume Discrepancies on Streaming Services
California Senate Bill 576, introduced by state Senator Tom Umberg, seeks too prevent Netflix, prime Video, and othre streaming platforms from broadcasting commercials at a volume substantially higher than the content being streamed. This jarring difference in volume is a common complaint among viewers.
Why is this happening?
Federal law, specifically the Commercial Advertisement Loudness Mitigation (CALM) Act, already regulates commercial volume on customary television broadcasts. The CALM Act aims to ensure commercials aren’t noticeably louder than the programs they interrupt. tho,the CALM Act was passed in 2010,before streaming services became dominant. Therefore, it doesn’t currently apply to them.
What does SB 576 propose?
SB 576 woudl extend similar volume regulations to streaming services operating in California.The bill aims to create a more consistent and cozy viewing experience by requiring streaming platforms to adhere to the same loudness standards as traditional television.
the CALM Act Explained
The CALM Act uses a measurement called Integrated Loudness to standardize commercial volume.Integrated Loudness averages the loudness of an entire program or commercial, ensuring that no single part is significantly louder than the rest.This prevents the “jump scare” effect many viewers experience when a commercial blasts on after a quieter show.
Why the Opposition?
The entertainment industry argues that applying the CALM Act to streaming services could be costly and technically challenging. They suggest that the different delivery methods and audio processing techniques used by streaming platforms might require a different approach to volume regulation. Some also argue that viewers have control over their volume and can simply adjust it.
Key Takeaways
- California SB 576 aims to regulate commercial volume on streaming services.
- The current federal CALM Act doesn’t apply to streaming platforms.
- The issue stems from a notable difference in volume between content and commercials.
- The entertainment industry opposes the bill, citing potential costs and technical challenges.
looking ahead
the fate of SB 576 remains uncertain.If passed, it could set a precedent for other states to follow, perhaps leading to nationwide volume regulations for streaming services. This would likely result in a more consistent and enjoyable viewing experience for millions of viewers,and perhaps a more peaceful night’s sleep for those 8-month-olds.