A majority of Americans oppose regulating streaming services like cable services. This is just one of the findings from a new poll on viewing behavior and preferences.
A debate is currently ongoing in relation to whether streaming services should be more regulated. The Coalition for Local News, for example, argues that they should, as regulation will help to close a ‘streaming loophole’ that currently cuts local TV stations out of the negotiation process.
According to the new poll, however, most Americans would rather not regulate streaming like cable. Of those surveyed, 57% said they would somewhat or strongly oppose streaming services being regulated by the federal government in a similar way to legacy cable providers. Of those 57% that oppose regulation, 42% strongly opposed regulation.
In terms of what those surveyed do say they care about, hidden fees and the price ranked as the biggest issues. These were followed by an easy ability to subscribe and unsubscribe from services, being able to watch the content they want when they want, and having all content in one place and easy to find.
Other findings from the poll included:
- Most find it easy to access local news broadcasts on streaming platforms.
- Most agree that streaming services give them access to more content than cable and satellite services.
- Most find switching streaming services easier than switching cable or satellite providers
- Most prefer to watch content on streaming services.
In terms of the methodology, 1,573 registered voters nationwide were surveyed between January 10 and 15, 2024, and the poll was conducted by the Preserve Viewer Choice Coalition in partnership with Change Research.
For reference, the Preserve Viewer Choice Coalition is an advocacy group dedicated to maintaining streaming choice and competition. The group boasts a growing number of members, with Hulu and YouTube TV the most recent additions to the Preserve Viewer Choice Coalition.
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