California Law Quiets Streaming Ads – Morning Brew
California is making sure that TV watchers can enjoy their favorite shows without being startled awake by extra loud ads. Governor Gavin Newsom recently signed a law that will require streaming advertisements to be the same audio level as the content they interrupt.
Starting in July, ads on popular streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and HBO Max will have to play at the same volume as the shows you’re watching—no more sudden blasts about plaque psoriasis scaring you out of your seat. This rule is actually based on a federal law that has been around since 2010, but until now, it only applied to ads on traditional TV.
The idea for these new ad volume controls came from State Senator Tom Umberg, whose legislative director was fed up with loud streaming ads waking up his baby daughter, Samantha. So, thanks to Samantha, California is taking steps to make our streaming experience a little more peaceful.
This change could have a big impact beyond just California. With the state’s major role in the entertainment industry, other states might follow suit and adopt similar regulations. The law had strong support in the state legislature from both Republicans and Democrats, showing that everyone can agree on the importance of keeping the volume in check.
