Vancouver-headquartered OUTtv is one of 15 specialty streaming services that have formed a coalition to “advocate for fair and proportionate regulations” as public policy around streaming services grows worldwide.

The group, known as Beyond Mainstream: A Global Streaming Alliance, was created to ensure that the needs of specialized platforms are not overlooked in the creation of public policy, according to a news release issued Tuesday (Nov. 4).

Joining OUTtv in the coalition is AMC Networks’ portfolio of streamers, including Acorn TV, Shudder, Sundance Now, ALLBLK and HIDIVE, and Sony’s Crunchyroll, SonyLiv and Sony One. Other platforms include the Fox-owned Tubi, The Roku Channel, Great American Media’s Pure Flix, Singapore-based NDM+, Rakuten Viki and Mumbai-headquartered Zee5.

In a statement, OUTtv Media Global CEO Brad Danks (pictured) said the coalition will champion the discoverability and accessibility of diverse programming. “Our shared goal is to build an equitable media environment that reflects the full range of audiences and perspectives — something we can only achieve by working together,” he said.

“This coalition is especially timely as new systems for digital democracy and global governance are on the horizon,” added NDM+ president and CEO Nijel de Mesa. “Beyond Mainstream will foster mutual cooperation so members can act together to secure a vibrant and sustainable future for streaming in the global entertainment landscape.”

Public policy around streaming has grown domestically and abroad. On Tuesday, the Australian government announced its intent to introduce a law requiring streaming services to contribute at least 10% of their Australian expenditure – or 7.5% of Australian revenue – to Australian content.

In Canada, a requirement from the CRTC to contribute 5% of Canadian revenues to the broadcasting system is being challenged at the Federal Court of Appeal, with a decision still pending. The contribution requirement is for streaming services earning $25 million in annual Canadian revenues.

OUTtv’s Danks has already been a vocal advocate for equitable regulation in Canada’s broadcasting system. He appeared at the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission’s (CRTC) spring and summer hearings on the definition of Canadian content and market dynamics between various players in the sector, representing independent broadcasters in the Independent Broadcast Group. The CRTC has yet to issue a decision from the consultations.

Photo courtesy of OUTtv