Streaming Antitrust Could Be Around the Corner

Streaming Antitrust Could Be Around the Corner

December 15, 2020

The federal government and several US states officially filed a major antitrust lawsuit against Facebook last week. With a breakup of Facebook now possible, other tech industries, including media companies, may need to begin readying for the eventuality of antitrust lawsuits coming their way, as well.

Streamer's Spotlight: The Potential for Streaming Antitrust Is Real

The idea of antitrust lawsuits targeting the streaming market might seem far fetched. After all, the market is becoming increasingly fragmented. There are hundreds of streaming services on the market, and it seems like every network now wants to run its own operation. But keep in mind, antitrust isn't so much about how many competitors are on the market, but how certain players work to depress the viability of other competitors. On that end, several companies may have been making moves that make antitrust an increasing possibility.

Disney Should Be Wary

There's no two ways about it here: AT&T is pulling out all the stops, but it's also taking a page out of Disney's playbook with this move. If you recall, Disney earlier this year released several of its movies straight to Disney+, including its new live-action Mulan.

In going this route, it means you don't have to go to a movie theater to see any 2021 Warner Brothers movie release, including

Wonder Woman 1984

.

  AT&T Isn't Out of the Woods Yet 

The AT&T-TimeWarner merger in 2019 was one of the most contentious in years. Antitrust bells were ringing, but the merger was

, with no limitations. Still, AT&T is not out of the antitrust crosshairs. Its media ownership library continues to grow, and much like with Disney, it's most recent and major acquisition puts it on a razor-thin edge toward facing a significant antitrust lawsuit.

Amazon Is an Obvious Target

Amazon is on a mission to have its reach into every possible industry it can think of. This makes it an obvious target for regulators. Because of just how heavy its influence is, Amazon is capable of dominating almost any market it enters. Up to this point, Amazon's presence in the streaming market has been minimal, at best, although its Amazon Prime Video service is well-used. But if the company decides to start using its considerable cash resources to snap up media companies and smaller competitors in the media and streaming market, it could easily fall on the antitrustradar for yet another reason.

This Week's Streaming Guide

1. 'The Expanse' Season 5 Premieres on Prime Video

The dramatic story continues on Prime Video's continuation of sci-fi hit

The Expanse

. Watch on Prime Video this Tuesday. -

2. Stephen King's 'The Stand' Mini-Series Premieres on CBS All Access

Stephen King's post-apocalyptic story The Stand comes to the live-action small screen this Wednesday on CBS All Access. -

3. Zombie Thriller 'Sweet Home' Premieres on Netflix

The Netflix description says it all: "As humans turn into savage monsters and wreak terror, one troubled teen and his apartment neighbors fight to survive — and to hold on to their humanity". -

4. Learn How the Royals Travel on PBS

Traveling while rich is interesting enough, but when you're royal, you travel with style. Learn more on PBS Sunday, December 20 at 8 PM EST when you watch

Secrets of Royal Travel

.

-

News and Industry Developments

1. For Cord-Cutters, Channels DVR Is What Plex Might Have Been

The emerging media server strives to maintain its media server status in a market that wants to keep what it owns. -

2. AT&T's Straight-to-HBO Release Plan Spurring Lawsuits

The traditional Hollywood studios aren't happy with plans to release major movies on HBO Max, and they're showing it with pending lawsuits. -

3. Netflix Reveals What We Were Watching During Lockdown

We explored foreign titles more than ever. And we also developed a newfound love of chess. -

4. U.S. Women's Open to Stream Exclusively on Peacock

The Peacock streaming service will be the only place to watch the U.S. Women's Open, which will likely lead to a significant boost in sign-ups. -

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