When you’re watching a movie or series on Netflix, Prime Video or other streaming services, do ads suddenly blast your ears? Are ads a hundred times louder than the content you’re watching calmly? Well, good news for you, but there’s a catch.
California Governor Gavin Newsom recently signed a bill into law to crack down on loud streaming ads. It’s called SB 576. This law prohibits streaming services from increasing the volume of commercials above the volume of their shows and movies. This is a big relief for viewers. Not a single member of the state legislature voted against this bill.
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People are our inspiration: Governor Newsom
After SB 576 became law, Governor Newsom said in a statement, “We heard the people of California. They’re loud and clear. They don’t want commercials that are louder than the programming they’re already watching.”
There’s also an interesting story behind the legislation. State Senator Thomas Amberg is a co-author of the bill. He said he was inspired to write the bill after his legislative director’s child woke up to loud streaming ads. “This bill is for every parent who has finally put their child to sleep and then woke up to a loud streaming ad,” Amberg said.
The catch: Not everyone!
The key here is that the law only applies to California. It’s an extension of the national CALM (Commercial Advertising Loudness Mitigation) Act. The CALM Act was passed in 2010 for linear TV (regular cable/satellite TV). But streaming services weren’t as big back then. So, since SB 576 is a California state law, viewers outside of California still have to suffer through loud ads.
When will it be nationwide?
The California law is now a model for Congress to follow. If any member of Congress decides to introduce similar federal legislation, SB 576 will be the guide. The CALM Act passed unanimously in the Senate in 2010.
An updated bill that includes streaming services will likely pass unanimously nationwide.In the streaming age, loud ads are a big deal, especially for those who pay to watch ads (like Prime Video’s Basic plan). Fix this now, Congress! Update the CALM Act for 2020.